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matthewb5734570
Participating Frequently
August 2, 2018
Answered

Pattern fill to vector shape?

  • August 2, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 64100 views

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?

      Correct answer DecoMeOut

      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! 

       

      2 replies

      D
      DecoMeOutCorrect answer
      Participant
      September 10, 2021

      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
        adamb47200684
        Participating Frequently
        December 28, 2021

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

        Larry G. Schneider
        Community Expert
        Larry G. SchneiderCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        August 2, 2018

        Try using Object>Expand. Then trim the result.

          M
          matthewb5734570Author
          Participating Frequently
          August 3, 2018

          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
          Community Expert
          Monika GauseCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          August 3, 2018

          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?


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

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