Expand pattern without overlap

[White Vanilla]

Is it possible to expand a pattern without creating overlapping objects?

[Monika Gause]

So when you expand your pattern, you get all these clipping masks and when you expand the masks, you get a lot of overlapping objects? And then?

And most importantly: what do you want to do that you need this?

[White Vanilla · Accepted solution]

I think I have done it.

The trick is to use 'actions:' select (A) > select same appearance > offset negative > ctrl+x > select all (disable all other layers first beforehand these actions) > clear > ctrl+f > pathfinder > offset positive > ctrl+x > select all > clear > ctrl+f

Like for example a pattern with dots or other object-forms, you can eliminate duplicate objects that lay on top of each other.

Oh yeah, expand and ungroup the pattern first before 'select (A).'

[Monika Gause]

Pathfinder functions will work with closeed shapes, but probably not so much with open paths.

But if this solves your issue, then please mark your answer as the correct one. It will help others who have the same issue. Thank you.