Stroke width in Outline View using the Width Tool.

[christianb5949572]

Hi!

I am using the Width Tool, and I am wondering if it is possible to see the stroke width in Outline View.

All I see is the stroke core:

But I would like to see the stroke width at all times (not only when I play with the Width Tool points):

Thanks!

[rcraighead · Accepted solution]

I believe the correct answer is "no". Not without expanding the effect.

[christianb5949572]

That's too bad.

Thank you!

[jane-e]

The Outline View only shows the actual paths, never the appearances. I am curious about why you would want to see an appearance, in this case the Width points, in the Outline view?

[christianb5949572]

Because I trace a lot of calligraphy using the Pen/Width Tools, and it would make my workflow much faster. Imagine being able to work like this all the time:

I have my template at the bottom layer, and my tracing on the top layer. Working in Outline View permits me to see my template.

The possibility to see the widths of my paths (using the Width Tool) in Outline View would permit me to see them "live in action"...

[Monika Gause]

Set the layer to Multiply and work in Preview mode?

[jane-e]

When you Command(Ctrl) + click the eyeball for a layer, you can put just that one layer into Outline View. Would that help?

[christianb5949572]

Set the layer to Multiply and work in Preview mode?

Thanks! (However, I tried that before and I don't like it: it looks too messy for me )

[rcraighead]

Monika's solutions should work. Set your working layer to 50% opacity or some workable blending mode.

[Kurt Gold]

You may try another workaround in Preview mode, as shown in this sample file:

outline_view_simulation_width_tool_001.ai.zip - Google Drive

Instruction: Draw on Layer „Trace“. When you’re done, target Layer „Trace“ and delete its appearance attributes (additional stroke and Pathfinder effect).

Note that you may have to enable CPU preview in the View menu to get a cleaner outline preview simulation.

[christianb5949572]

Wow! Thanks! Really cool alternative!

[christianb5949572]

I tried recreating your effect, but I can't achieve it.

Yours:

Mine:

What am I missing?

Thanks!

[Kurt Gold]

Apparently you’ve applied the appearance attributes at the object level, not at the layer level.

To recreate the simulation, first just select the path on Layer „Trace“ and take a look at the Appearance palette. Then target the Layer „Trace“ (click on the bull’s eye to the right of the Layer name) and take a look at the Appearance palette. Remember the settings and apply the same attributes on your Layer 3. It should work now.

[christianb5949572]

Wow. I didn't know how to apply a fx on a layer, and now I know! Thanks! It works great!

ROCK ON!

[DougKatz]

You've benefited from the wisdom of a great master.