12 replies to this topic

[frax]

Hi - just a simple question(?)

How do one do the equivalent to "buffer"? I basically want to extend the size of a polygon. I get all kinds of weird results if I try to add a bigger stroke and then expand it, which I would have thought would be the way to go...

[benbakelaar]

Which software are you working in?

[mike]

hugo,

i'm assuming you are using Illustrator to do this. What you can do is just create a stroke around your polygon, then use the Align Stroke to Outside option. this should give you an even stroke around your polygon.

[benbakelaar]

If it's in Illustrator, you could use the Scaling tool, unless it has to be extended by a specific amount?

[frax]

sorry, forgot to mention what software it is.... it is illy.

scaling won't do it, since scaling and buffering to expand things are not the same (try it with a few odd polygons, and you'll see what I mean)

Adding a stroke around the polygon works, but not when I try to move it from it being a stroke - if I try to expand it I always get odd compound paths, if the stroke is wide... (and then I would have the hassle of trying to add it to the polygon)

[CHART]

OK,
Outline stroke (under path command)
Ungroup
Compound path release....

You will get 2-3 objects ... should be able to set stroke and fill to get what you want.

this now I think might do it!

(good thing I can edit my post)

Trying to post an example....

[frax]

Here is a little demo...

Ben, as you can see on the top example, scale doesn't cut it.

Jacques and Mike -- see my little example of what I am seeing when I try to expand the path, or outline the stroke (the latter option doesn't honor the "align stroke" settings, so it is less useful). I get a lot of stray odd things if the path is reasonably complex, even if I simplify it a bit.

I just want to grow my existing polygon a bit...

[frax]

btw, what I am trying to do is totally non scientific and quantative (of course) and maybe it is just easier to draw an expanded polygon by hand...

[CHART]

Try simplifying your polygon to straight segments (straight line option in the path simplify menu) BEFORE you outline stroke etc...

[Maisie]

I'd use Offset Path (rather then Outline Path), then run Simplify Path at 98% or so.

[CHART]

Well well, that seems like a better option....

[benbakelaar]

Thanks for the explanation Hugo, I appreciate it! Really easy concept once you see a visual

[frax]

Thanks Jacques, you found the solution! Simplifing to straight segments did it - now I am able to outline stroke (expand appearance still turns up strange results, as well as offset path).