Converting strokes to filled objects


    The Outline Stroke command changes the stroke of a selected object to a filled object that's the same width as the original stroke. This command lets you modify the outline of an object more than you could if it were only a stroke.

    The Outline Stroke command is also useful when you prepare artwork for trapping color separations. You can apply the Outline Stroke command as a path command or as an effect. By applying the command in the Effects menu, the converted stroke remains editable using the Appearances palette. See Modifying and removing appearance attributes.

To create stroke-shaped objects from strokes:

  1. Select the object whose stroke you want to convert to a path.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Choose Object > Path > Outline Stroke. The converted stroke is separated from the fill.
    • Choose Effect > Path > Outline Stroke. To separate the converted stroke from the fill, choose Object > Expand Appearance, then choose Object > Ungroup.