Width Tool disabled/doesn't work - why not?

[kirrwed]

I have a simple shape that doesn't work with the width tool. I have other shapes in my doc that work fine, even ones with gradient fills. What is wrong with this one shape?

Here is the image.

http://www.mediafire.com/?q3dosbmlfnstfcf

[rcraighead]

Silly question, but have you assigned a stroke to the shape?

[kirrwed]

Yes. It's a 1 pt stroke, dark brown.

[kirrwed]

Okay, so it seems to be working once I aligned stroke to center instead of to inside. Now that I've used the width tool on it, align stroke to "inside" and "outside" are disabled. I'm guessing that's the problem. I welcome anyone to confirm that theory since I'm not that versed in the newer Illustrators yet.

[tromboniator]

With the Width Tool you can move any part of the stroke to either side of the path at will, so "inside" and "outside" don't mean much. If you need part of a stroke to go farther "inside than the existing path, you can add points and move that part of the path.

You can't apply a stroke to the "inside" or "outside" of an open path, either.

I hope this makes sense - my eyelids are drooping.

Peter

[erinh60569391]

Thank you, this solution worked for me as well.

[jourydellaert]

I also have the same issue... and what I found out recently is that I can't seem to adjust the width of a stroke when it's a brush.

For example, if you draw a circle with the pen-tool, you will be able to adjust the width but when you draw a circle with the brush-tool, you can't adjust the width. So it might be interesting to draw shape with the pen-tool from now on.

Maybe this solves your issue

[Monika Gause]

jourydellaert  schrieb

I also have the same issue... and what I found out recently is that I can't seem to adjust the width of a stroke when it's a brush.

For example, if you draw a circle with the pen-tool, you will be able to adjust the width but when you draw a circle with the brush-tool, you can't adjust the width. So it might be interesting to draw shape with the pen-tool from now on.

The question has already been solved in #3 (5 years ago)

Your issue is different. By drawing with the brush tool you automatically assigned a calligraphy brush. You can easily remove that stroke. But instead of using the brush tool you could simple use the pencil tool and it wouldn't happen.

[jourydellaert]

My apologies Monika, I didn’t look any further into this issue, I thought it was similar...

thanks for the advice btw but when I draw with a tablet, I can’t draw freely with the Pentool right? I’ll have to click and drag to make arcs and lines. Or is there a way to do this?

[Doug A Roberts]

if you want to draw freely with a simple stroked path, use the pencil, not the pen or brush.

[fierce_magic98A2 · Accepted solution]

I figured out that if the line's "Brush Definition" is converted to "basic," I could then use the Width Tool no problem.

[rickyv87419461]

Can I ask how you brought up that drop down menu w the basic option in it? mine only shows the ”uniform” drop down menu

[Monika Gause]

  schrieb

Can I ask how you brought up that drop down menu w the basic option in it? mine only shows the ”uniform” drop down menu

Please show us a screenshot.

[rickyv87419461]

iCloud

[Monika Gause]

It's the menu that reads "Touch calligraphic ..."

[rickyv87419461]

When I highlight an object, it it disappears. am I supposed to convert it w/o highlighting the image?

[Monika Gause]

  schrieb

When I highlight an object, it it disappears. am I supposed to convert it w/o highlighting the image?

Please tell us step by step what it is that you want to do. Please use more than just a sentence.

And please show us screenshots of your objects. Please upload them directly to the forum via the web interface.

[rickyv87419461]

I would like to change the ends of unconnected paths to be pointed rather than having rounded caps. What I was trying to do was using the width tool to adjust the ends, but the when selected, the width tool cursor is joined by a "can't do" (small circle with line through) symbol. I can't change the width profile either, and when trying to choose basic brush definition, nothing happens and I still am unable to use the width tool.

[Monika Gause]

All of these have been drawn with the brush tool and not with the blob brush tool? That one is important.

Then you can select the paths and set them to "Basic brush" (which actually deletes the brush from the paths). You then need to adjust the stroke width, because you have just a plain stroke now. You might need to select the paths one by one.

Then you can apply a width profile.

Trouble is: When drawing with the brush tool you will always apply a brush. The brush tool won't draw with just a stroke.

And since in your case it's a calligraphy brush, you can't apply a width profile, as Calligraphy brushes don't work with them.

[rickyv87419461]

so would the current drawing be salvageable if I would like to use the width tool, if so could you please explain how to set the paths to basic brush.

When I select the paths, the only thing that it allows me to change on the top menu is the width profile, and even when pulling up the strokes menu, I'm not sure clicking on the basic option is doing anything.

[tromboniator]

Go to Object > Live Paint > Expand and you will be able to use the Width Tool on the stroked paths.

Peter

[rickyv87419461]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!! LITERALLY NOT EVEN THE PERSON I SPOKE TO FROM ADOBE COULD FIGURE THIS OUT SO I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO START ALL OVER. YOU‘RE A GOD I DONT CARE IF IM BEING DRAMATIC

[tromboniator]

You're welcome. I'm glad I could help you.

Peter

[SMcreative]

Incorrect answer. The question is "HOWTO ALIGN A VARIABLE WIDTH STROKE".  The basic profile and align are available, but not at the same time as a custom, variable width profile. I have the same kinds of shapes (not grouped, not mere paths) and sometimes the strokes are alignable, other times the variable width box is greyed out if aligned to outside. The align button is greyed out if the vairable width profile is selected.

[Monika Gause]

Please post screenshots.

That is not an incorrect answer, it only obviously doesn't apply to your problem.