Skip to main content
C
Connor23420360bjh5
Participant
March 3, 2022
Answered

Subtracting Stroke to Create Negative Space

  • March 3, 2022
  • 3 replies
  • 2091 views

Hiya! I've been designing in Photoshop for around 5 years now, and recently have decided to learn Illustrator. I'm trying to work on a concept design, but I cannot figure out how to do what I want and was hoping someone would help.

 

Below I have attached an image of my current file. My goal is to remove the black stroke (create transparency, while also deleting the underlying fill of white that the shape has). 

 

Things that I have tried are Object > Expand and Shape Builder tool. Other than this, I'm not sure what I'd be able to do besides unorthadoxly resizing each shape.. which would create improper proportions for what I want.

 

All it is right now is 3 black rectangles manipulated with the shape tool, and an added black inside stroke of 7pt.

 

Thanks y'all.

Connor Witmer

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Met1

    Outline the stroke, you'll get a compound shape that was the stroke plus the original shape (white), direct selection tool click on the white, select same fill, delete, you'll be left with the compound path, adjust opacity as desired...

    3 replies

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 3, 2022

    You could also apply the Offset path effect with a negative value.

     

    (Effect > Path > Offset path)

      Met1
      Met1Correct answer
      Legend
      March 3, 2022

      Outline the stroke, you'll get a compound shape that was the stroke plus the original shape (white), direct selection tool click on the white, select same fill, delete, you'll be left with the compound path, adjust opacity as desired...

        C
        Connor23420360bjh5Author
        Participant
        March 3, 2022

        Thank you!! This method is also nice to know.

        Doug A Roberts
        Community Expert
        Doug A RobertsCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        March 3, 2022

        Like this?

        Remove the stroke from the shapes.

        Group them, then add a stroke at group level.

        Make the stroke 0% opacity.

        In the transparency options for the group, tick 'Knockout Group'.

          C
          Connor23420360bjh5Author
          Participant
          March 3, 2022

          You're amazing... thanks so much! Guess this shows my lack of experience with Illustrator LOL.

          Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
          Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices