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M
Meadows Design
Participant
September 24, 2021
Question

Prevent overlapping paths

  • September 24, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 884 views

Hiya,

 

I'm trying to create an 'infinite' canvas using various shapes. Is there anyway to prevent closed paths from intersecting/overlapping with other closed paths?

The canvas is to be waterjet cut so it cannot have any isolated areas as these will then not be connected to the main piece. I've been using the 'transform objects' tool to randomly scatter artwork but I need to stop it from creating closed spaces. On a large scale it would be too time consuming to readjust each isolated space by hand.

 

Cheers

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2 replies

c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 26, 2021

I suppose a Script could be used to check all Paths for overlaps but I think this might be quite slow (at least I could not think of a promising effective approach); also I am afraid removing the overlap by simply moving one of the paths might lead to aesthetically problematic results. 

Jacob Bugge
Community Expert
Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 24, 2021

Meadows,

 

As I (mis)understand it, you can (working on a copy on top of the hidden/locked original):

 

1) Select everything and group it and then outline stroke if relevant/not already, and then Unite/Add to shape area (Pathfinder), then set the stroke (if any) as desired;

2) Unlock/show the original and use the path from 1) for the water jet cutting.

 

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