Is a file with a gaussian blur still a vector

[Janlewiscreative]

Hi, I'm artworking a logo I've been given that includes an illustrator gaussian blur (as a shadow).
How will this scale?
Is it still a vector image?
Do I need to mesh it and if so, how?
Many thanks

Jan

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

The shape with the Gaussian blur will be rasterized in the output. Same might or might not be the case for shapes underneath.

This might be created with a blend.

Whether or not that is suitable for a logo, depends on the use cases.

[Janlewiscreative]

Thanks Monika.
What if I create the soft shadow effect with feather? Is that still rasterising? I think it needs to be a mesh to still be vector?

[Monika Gause]

Feather is a raster based effect as well.

These days even in a logo raster is not a big deal IF everyone involved knows what they are doing AND IF a version of the logo exists to use in cases where you absolutely need it 100% vector. Of course everyone involved also needs to know when to use which version of the file.

There are cases where even a blend or a mesh would not work (think engraving, cutting etc.).

A blend would also be 100% vector

[Janlewiscreative]

Yep - all great points, thank you. I think the main concern was scaling up for exhibiting but the engraving/cutting point is a good one so we'll be sure to create an additional version without the shadow. Many thanks.

[Monika Gause]

If it's just about scaling: Set the Document raster effects resolution to a suitable amount and use the Gaussian blur. It makes a beautiful blur. You probably cannot achieve that as comfortably using either a blend or a mesh

[Janlewiscreative]

Nice. Where does the raster effects resolution setting live please?

[Monika Gause]

It's in Effects > Document Raster effects settings.

When exporting this as a PDF, also make sure to not downsample it.

[Janlewiscreative]

Excellent. That's another top tip I'm keeping. Thank you very much!

[Jacob Bugge]

Jan,

How about this, starting with only the grey filled path?

1) Select the grey filled, then apply Object>Path>Offset Path with an offset equalling the added depth of the blur, then in the Transparency palette set the Opacity to 0 (this will apply to the offset path);

2) Select both paths, then in Object>Blend>Blend Options set the Spacing to a suitably large number of Specified Steps (for a smooth transition) and set Aligniment to Align to Path, then apply Object>Blend>Make.

Edit; Seriously delayed answer, hence effectively an elaboration of what Monika has said twice, and agreeing with the reservation.

[Janlewiscreative]

Hi Jacob, thanks for the thought. I'm interested to learn so thought it worth an experiment. I'm ok until half way through point 2. I did this for the steps but I don't see where I choose align to path? Any thoughts?

[Jacob Bugge]

Jan,

I apologize for the wrong word, Alignment > Orientation (which was staring me in my face); and you have chosen Align to Path already so it ought to work fine.

When done you can zoom in and out and see whether the 16 steps is a suitable choice, between underdoing and overdoing. Ctrl/Cmd+Z can be your friend.

[Jacob Bugge]

May I ask whether it worked, Jan?

[Janlewiscreative]

Hi Jacob, I'm afraid it didn't. It gave me a weird shape.

It's ok though. I think we'll keep the feather shadow version but also make a version with flat colour for cutouts and when gradients are an issue. Many thanks for your help. 

[Jacob Bugge]

Thank you for sharing, Jan; weird indeed, and hardly worth an effort to improve the blend.