Pattern fill to vector shape?

[matthewb5734570]

I am using the basic graphics line pattern swatch as a fill on several shapes.

I need to convert those individual lines to vector.

How can I do that?

[Larry G. Schneider · Accepted solution]

Try using Object>Expand. Then trim the result.

[matthewb5734570]

I can't seem to get that to work, I am sure it is my fault..!

Can you take a look at this and see what I am doing wrong?

http://www.trinitifx.com/wip/Tartan_for_Banner.AI

I am sending this to be printed on a banner, and their software does not show the vector pattern fill..

[Monika Gause]

There's another pattern applied in your design: the back diagonal stripes are also a pattern.

[matthewb5734570]

That is correct, there is a white stripe layer with the diagonal pattern vector fill, and a black stripe layer with the diagonal pattern vector fill. I need all of those as vector shapes on their own layer (white, black, and blue on the bottom layer).. Possible?

[Monika Gause]

You need to expand them as well use the same method as above.

[matthewb5734570]

When I select the white stripes layer and use object->expand, the new white stripes are thinner than the pattern fill stripes. You can see that here with the white stripes over the non-expanded black stripes. Is there a way to keep them the same thickness as the pattern fill?

[Monika Gause]

This an RGB document.

Turn off align to pixels.

Then try again.

[matthewb5734570]

Do you mean 'align to pixel grid'?

It is not checked now.

With it still off, I object->expand(ed) again and the same thing happened.

[Monika Gause]

You could try and go a different way.

Instead of using Expand, try and select all and then:

Object > Flatten transparency.

[matthewb5734570]

I can't see that flattening the transparency does anything at all.

I guess I will just have to re-create the pattern shape-by-shape.. arg..

[Ryanlaser]

Thats what I just had 2 do, so fustrating that the pattern tool wont work for paths is odd conidering illistrator is used for paths!

[Monika Gause]

What do you mean - the pattern tool doesn't work for paths?

[Ryanlaser]

I made a path then put it in swatch list then added that swatch 2 my outline and now its not path its just a pic then when i follow steps above the pattern always turns out wrong or missing items from pattern 

[Monika Gause]

Can you perhaps post examples?

It's not clear at all what you are doing and what you are expecting to happen.

[adamb47200684]

This is not a sufficient answer. Correct steps below.

[RDonadio]

You are a god. My patterns were pixelated when rotated. Expanding fixed it. 

[DecoMeOut · Accepted solution]

Here's what worked for me: 

Object > Expand

Object > Flatten Transparency

Object (or right click shape) > Ungroup

Object (or right click shape) > Release clipping mask

Select only the stripes (not the clipping mask outline) then Object > Compound Path > Make (or command+8) 

Then select both the stripes and the clipping mask and use Pathfinder > Intersect

Now the shape is a vector you can fill with any colour.

A lot of steps but definitely better than drawing all the stripes by hand! 

[adamb47200684]

Nice! I had to swap the "Ungroup" and "Release Clipping Mask" steps but great step-by-step 👍 Thank you!

[default91j5s36clmc8]

Perfect! Thank you 🙂

[shanew42235571]

This is a game changer for me, thank you!!

[lewilliams89]

Thanks so much! This worked very well.

I had a dot grid pattern that I needed to create a gradient mask over and it was not working as intended on my Expand-ed dots. My dots also got a bit wonky after Expand (had some excess) but the last step trimmed the excess off and cleared it all up.