Transforming and Distorting Objects > Expanding a path

 

Expanding a path

You can expand the stroke of a path to change a path into an object. For example, a simple path with only two points will become a closed, rectangular path with four points after you expand it.

When you expand an open path, the result is a filled, closed path. When you expand a closed path, the result is a composite path.

Expanding a stroke lets you edit its shape and add additional fills, such as gradient, lens effects, textures, and tiles.

To expand the stroke of a selected path:

1

Do one of the following:

Choose Modify > Alter Path > Expand Stroke.

Choose Windows > Toolbars > Xtra Operations, and click the Expand Stroke icon.

Choose Xtras > Path Operations > Expand Stroke.

2

In the Expand Stroke dialog box, enter a value in the Width text box or adjust the width using the slider control.

3

Adjust the Cap, Join, and Miter Limit settings. For more information on these options, see Applying strokes.

4

Click OK.