How to make these nice gaps and what is this method called?

[TOLGA38021460on60]

Hi, as as circled in the photo, i want to learn how to make these gap. I saw a video but unfortunetly forgot what this method is called. thanks in advance.

[pixxxelschubser]

Destruktiv: Pathfinder

Editable: Knockout group

[Monika Gause]

With some cheating you could also do it using Intertwine. The "gap" will then need to have the same color as the background.

[Jacob Bugge · Accepted solution]

TOLGA,

Presuming vector paths (rather than raster or live Type), you can proceed in a rather simple way, either leading to simple paths visible in front of whichever background you choose and especially suitable for a logo consisting of just the white paths (involving a simple Pathfinder operation), or leading to a similar appearance with masking (involving a simple Opacity Mask), shown below in a simplified form in the steps 1) - 4A/4B):

1) Make sure the double S shape forms a Compound Path and is beneath the I shape at the bottom of the stacking order (Layers palette), and make sure the L shape (just shown as a horizontal line) is at the very top;

2) Click the I shape to select it and use Object>Path>Offset Path with an offset equalling the desired gap on either side of the I, then change the colour of the Offset Path (which is beneath the original I shape) to black; then repeat for the L shape;

3A) For the appearance with masking, ShiftClick the black offset path of the I shape and the double S hape to select both parts, then in the Transparency palette Click Make (Opacity) Mask; this will give the apparent gaps on either side of the I shape;

4A) Repeat 3A), only selecting the L shape and the I shape;

3B) For simple paths with real gaps, ShiftClick the black offset path of the I shape and the double S hape to select both parts, then use Pathfinder> Minus front; this will give real gaps on either side of the I shape;

4B) Repeat 3B), only selecting the L shape and the I shape.

Both 4A and 4B look the same, and they correspond to the Editable/Destructive approaches mentioned by pixxxelschubser.

Click to get closer, Click again to get closer still

[Jacob Bugge]

TOLGA,

Just a few comments:

Using a Compound Path for the double S shape keeps both options open; it could also be a Group for the Opacity Mask but that would be no easier.

Correspondingly, using black is only necessary for the Opacity Mask, but in any case a colour contrasting the white letter parts makes it easier to see what is happening.

When following a non editable/destructive approach as the Pathfinder way here, always keep a backup of the artwork from before the decisive step; and from before beginning on steps you may change your mind about: Undoing can be(come) too late.