I'm not using OFFSET PATH but keep getting a lengthy 'offset path progress' window.

[bradh95804188]

As stated in the title here...with every move I make, selecting color swatches, adding/changing/removing strokes, copy/pasting...anything, sets off the 'Offset Path' progress window. The progress bar isn't progressing from left to right as it should but it's blinking on and off (completed progress to no progress) for a painfully long time. This seems to happen only on a few very large graphics I work on from time to time. None of which I'm actually using the offset path function on.

Why is this happening, or more importantly, how can I stop it?

TIA

[Monika Gause]

Please show ascreenshot of the exact message you're getting.

Please show a screenshot of the artwork (must contain layers panel open)

[bradh95804188]

Hi Monika,

Here is a screenshot showing art, message and layers. Not much to look at. It's a map (obviously), the red 'lines' are the rivers -they are selected in this shot. Changing the stroke color caused the hangup/message appearance this time. The file is 105.1 MB. I am using AI CS5.1

Using 'Grab' to capture a screenshot wouldn't pick up the art, just the screen with the message. Using the keyboard shortcut for rceen grabs, not only did I get a full screen shot but it also caused the offset path ordeal to cease and I was able to carry on with my work..

[Monika Gause]

Please open these layers in the layers panel. Looks like somewhere there is an offset path effect applied.

[bradh95804188]

I won't be able to screenshot the entire contents of the layers -there are many, many Paths, Compound Paths and a few Groups within the layers, none of whhich read 'offset path'. I know there are approximately 800 sublayers in layer 3...

Note: I am self taught and have been using AI  for almost 20 years (since version 3, pretty sure it was) SO my self taught education has yet to include 'offset path' -either I haven't needed it or I've found a way to work around the need for it -meaning I'm most likely doing something the hardest way possible

[gökhanyaka]

Hi,

probably this shape includes Offset Path effect in the Appearance Panel. you can check this panel or if you won't need to change effect features later. You can select this object and then go to Object menu and select Expand appearance.

maybe it works.

good luck.

[bradh95804188]

Thank you -nothing in appearance panel except 'group' and 'opacity -default'. I did select everything and expanded appearance and that worked but that will only do me good after I've finished the art as I'm having to 'copy/paste behind' then adjust (increase) stroke numerous times and thats when I get the 'offset path progress' hangup. So your answer was partially helpful

[Monika Gause]

bradh95804188  schrieb

Thank you -nothing in appearance panel except 'group' and 'opacity -default'.

Please read the documentation in the link I posted above. It's necessary that you understand it.

[bradh95804188]

I just typed a lengthy reply and got a message saying I do not have permission to post here... ugh..

[bradh95804188 · Accepted solution]

Trying replyin again...

So I read the page on the link you provided Monika -not much there I didn't know aside from editing via clicking on blue underlined attribute and copying via eydropper tool. Very good info though, thank you!

I have removed the fill color from the numerous copy/paste behind elements of the graphic and the 'offset' issue has been resolved. Also the file size has dropped by 30MB. Maybe there was a hidden offset within the fills that I overlooked? No idea but I do know that I didn't add an offest path to anything.

Anyway, thatnk you so much for your willingness to help!

[Monika Gause]

You're welcome.

Effects can be applied to the object, layer and/or group - but also to just the fill of the object. Maybe that's what happened here. And when you then use the eyedropper or when Illustrator is set up the last used appearance to each new object, then this fill together with the effect will be applied to every new object.

[Monika Gause]

Pkease read about how to use layers panel and appearance panel to apply effects.

How to adjust appearance attributes in Illustrator

Then search for objects, paths or groups that have complex appearances applied and inspect them.