Offset Path to New Layer?

[mrjackson]

If I converted a word like TEXT to outlines on one layer, is it possible to tell Illustrator I want to add an offset path of the letters onto a new layer in one step?

Thanks in advance, MJ

[Anna Lander]

using the usual workflow, no. But you can try to find (or ask someone to write) a script for this.
You can also create an action, here is a guide of using them: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/automation-actions.html

[mrjackson]

Anna,

I am familiar with making simple actions in Photoshop, and I assume it works similarly in Illustrator.

In PS, we have a full pull-down menu for the Layers options. None like it in Illustrator. 

In PS, we hit the Command-J command, to duplicate a layer to a new layer. Command-J in Illustrator tries to connect paths.

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Let me throw out this set of command in Illustrator that might be necessary to make the action and maybe someone here can give me a better way.

1: Create Text on a layer, then convert to Outlines. (Black fill for this example)

2: Group the new outlines.

3: Drag the Layer1 to a + new layer, Layer 2

4: Select the group on Layer 2, then Offset Path> .2"

5: Immediately click the color swatches to apply Yellow to the new path outlines.

6: Both the yellow and black are Grouped together at this point. So, ungroup.

7: Select> Same Color. Pick black. (but this selects all black on all layers) Turn off layer 1 beforehand.

8: Delete black content on Layer 2.

9: Group all of the yellow shapes on Layer 2.

10: Turn on visibility of Layer 1. 

Is there a better way?

MJ

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

You could record an action of this.

1. Outline the text

2. Offset path

3. Cut

4 Create new layer

5 Paste in front

Turn off the dialog boxes in the action and it will run on it's own

It might get slightly more tricky (depending on the details) when the text needs to be selected first inside the action.

[mrjackson]

Thanks...that worked for me. MJ