Offset path and its... anchors?

[BobbyTouche]

I'll try to explain this the best I can.

While drawing a design for a guitar body, I chose to use the offset function as a start for the shape of the pickguard. It's not entirely necessary, but is it possible to move the "anchor line"(?) to the pickguard path so that it's not directly on top of the body path? I know, my illustrator lingo is not up to par. lol.

[Monika Gause]

You have already applied "Offset path", right?

So what exactly is not working?

[BobbyTouche]

Everything worked great, actually. I'm just curious If I can make the path line (the part highlighted in blue) snap to the path it became after offsetting it.

[Monika Gause]

Sorry, I don't understand that.

[BobbyTouche]

OK, lol. I'll try again. The blue path is the original shape. The black line is what became of the shape after I offset it. The black path is exactly what I want, but for editing purposes, it would be easier for me if the anchors were directly on the black path.

Example: The anchors are ON the path

[DougKatz]

Did you offset your original path with the Object>Path>Offset command or with the Effects>Path>Offset command?

[BobbyTouche]

Object>Path>Offset

[DougKatz]

If that's the case, the anchors should become visible when you simply select the new (offset) path. Maybe I'm misunderstanding….

[Ton Frederiks]

And if you used Effect > Path > Offset Path

Select Object > Expand Appearance

[Jacob Bugge]

Bobby,

As I (mis)understand it, e key lies in post #8 by Ton.

Just use Effect>Path>Offset Path and enjoy the Anchor Points remaining on the original path (you see them when it is selected).

If/when you need the offset as an actual path, Object>Expand Appearance.

Remember to keep a copy of the original path with the offset effect for future needs.

[Srishti Bali]

Hi BobbyTouche,

I would like to know if the steps suggested by Doug worked for you, or the issue still persists.
Kindly update the discussion if you need further assistance with it.

Best,

Srishti