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Dimka99
Dimka99
Participant
August 7, 2017
Answered

How do I edit the end of a stroke?

  • August 7, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 23101 views

Im having trouble getting getting the ends of stroke the way I want them. Im trying to have a 45 degree stroke have a clean horizontal cut at the end, I cant get it to work so for now ive been using white blocks to cover the parts I want "cut" but of course when I want to convert the image to PNG for a logo design the white blocks are shown.. so my question is... how do I cut the ends of strokes to my liking?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer barbara_a7746676

Yep I tried multiple times still nothing.


Allow me to give more detail.

  1. Draw the 45 degree angle line with the stroke thickness you want.
  3. With the stroke selected, choose Object > Path > Outline Stroke. This converts the stroke into a filled shape.
  6. Draw a filled shape over the outlined stroke. Select both objects.
  8. Since the Shape Builder tool didn't work for you, I'm changing the instructions to use Pathfinder > Minus Front.
  10. Draw a filled shape over the other end of the outlined stroke. Select both shapes.
  12. Again use Pathfinder > Minus Front.
  14. I hope this works for you. Let me know.

3 replies

Jacob Bugge
Community Expert
Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
Community Expert
June 21, 2019

Dimka,

Since you are using the same angle (45 degrees),

You may use a customized arrowhead in the triangular form that gives you an end sharpened at 45 degrees from one side (like a square with one Anchor Point removed which is also is how you can create it), probably you need a mirrored version too, see the heading Customize arrowheads (at the bottom) here:

How to apply strokes in Illustrator

You can make one for any other angle you may wish, too.

barbara_a7746676
Community Expert
barbara_a7746676Community Expert
Community Expert
August 7, 2017

After drawing your stroke, choose Object > Path > Outline Stroke.

Draw a filled shape over each end of the path that intersects it where you want to cut it.

Select all the shapes and  With the Shape Builder tool, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and click to subtract areas you want to delete.

    Dimka99
    Dimka99Author
    Participant
    August 7, 2017

    only thing that happened was the filled shape disappeared, the stroke remained unchanged.

    barbara_a7746676
    Community Expert
    barbara_a7746676Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 7, 2017

    Once the stroke is drawn, be sure to outline it before using the Shape Builder tool. Object > Path > Outline Stroke.

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 7, 2017

    In a logo in the end you would want to expand (outline) your strokes and actually cut the paths the way you need them to look.

    During the creation process you might want to take a look at custom arrowheads. If all your strokes are at this angle then this might work. But still: when you're done: expand everything.

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