Creating single vector contour vinyl cut line Ai file from contour hand drawing?

[mike_contour4]

Hi,

What is the most direct way to prepare a file in Ai of a ballpoint single contour line drawing of overlapping shapes, vectorize it, and make a Ai file that does not read the thickness of the line as a shape but a single cutting line for the vinyl cutter to read? I'm using the vinyl for masking and painting purposes and am in need of sharp edges as I peel away the vinyl and paint the interior shapes made by the larger overlapping ones. Unfortunately, I keep making Ai files that want to cut both sides of the thickness of contour no matter how small I calibrate the thickness of the line. Thank you for any help! Best, Mike

[Sue Garibaldi]

Hi Mike,

I think you're wanting/needing to be in the Illustrator forum. I can move your post, but I wanted to check first that you're not using Adobe Draw (our mobile app).

Let me know and I'll move your post so you can get your questions answered.

Sue.

[mike_contour4]

Sue,

Thank you for your help and moving my post for better feedback. Thank You!

Best, Mike

On Thu, Mar 2, 2017 at 9:15 AM, Sue Garibaldi <forums_noreply@adobe.com>

[PrepressPro1]

When I make a file for cutting shapes I just take all vector shapes and Outline, Expand, and Unite. I even recommend setting up an action that does this in one step if you do this a lot. I don't try and have the cut follow stroked vectors, rather for cut files it should be one single object as to not confuse the cutter where to go. Hope this helps.

[mike_contour4]

Thank you so much for this helpful advice. Under "View" both the "outline" and "expand" commands were speedy and direct (thank you) but after an extensive search I do not see the "Unite" command you mentioned. Also, as you can probably tell I'm only a month into the program. 

[Doug A Roberts]

'unite' is a Pathfinder operation; open up the Pathfinder panel to see it.

[mike_contour4]

Thank you everyone for your help. After image tracing the ball point pen drawing, then outlining, expand, and through... pathways... unite, this is the screen shot I'm seeing when enlarging the drawing to 11 X 12 inches. I know I'm close but still worried the vinyl cutter will not see one single line as the screen shows an inner and outer line. Again, Much Thanks.