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1. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
Mordy Golding Nov 24, 2008 7:54 AM (in response to Michael Brown12)Have you tried Intersect of Exclude?
:) Mordy -
2. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
Michael Brown12 Nov 24, 2008 8:10 AM (in response to Michael Brown12)I made a mistake in my first post: If the triangle is covering part of the square I want to notch the square, but keep the whole TRIANGLE, not the whole square as I said at first.
If I understand you correctly, that is the fourth of the Shape modes in the Pathfinder palette. And, yes, as I mentioned in my previous post, I tried all of the commands on this palette. The one I suspect you are referring to leaves a void in both the square and the triangle where they overlap.
MGuilfoile -
3. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
JETalmage Nov 24, 2008 8:35 AM (in response to Michael Brown12)The Pathfinder you're looking for is Subtract, not Exclude.
Assuming CS3:
1. Copy the triangle. Deselect.
2. Paste In Front.
3. Select the triangle and the rectangle.
4. Pathfinder Palette: AltClick the Subtract ShapeMode icon (2nd from left, top row.
If the two paths have fills and no strokes, you can do it using Merge (3rd from left, bottom row) without duplicating the triangle. (Make sure the triangle is on top.)
JET -
4. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
Michael Brown12 Nov 24, 2008 8:53 AM (in response to Michael Brown12)Thanks, Jeff, but if I understand you correctly I have to have two objects on top: one to do the "notching" (which will then vanish) and its copy to replace the sacrificed object. This is what I've been doing, but this strikes me as more of a work-around since what I'm trying to do is so fundamental. Is there really no way to "notch" one object with another without this trick? No other graphics/CAD application I use has this limitation.
If this is the only way, however, thanks for validating that I was doing it right. I was really going crazy randomly trying all those buttons!
MGuilfoile -
5. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
JETalmage Nov 24, 2008 9:18 AM (in response to Michael Brown12)My name's not Jeff. It's James.
As I believe you know, FreeHand lets you use a modifier key with its Punch operation to choose whether the cutting object is consumed. AI doesn't.
A quick Ctrl-C, Ctrl-F is not that big a deal.
JET -
6. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
Michael Brown12 Nov 24, 2008 10:00 AM (in response to Michael Brown12)Whoops. Sorry James. That's what I get for multi-tasking.
Yeah, you're right it's not much of a big deal to make the second copy. It would be fine, except it seems like there are quite a few similar "small deals" in AI. Thanks again. -
7. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
Jeff Dafoe Nov 24, 2008 10:19 AM (in response to Michael Brown12)MGuilfoile
Have you tried "Trim" (Bottom row 2nd from left)
I just did and it did the trick if you don't mind two extra points on your triangle that is.
Jeff
(the real one this time he he) -
8. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
JETalmage Nov 24, 2008 11:46 AM (in response to Michael Brown12)The trouble with Trim is, it doesn't work at all if the objects are unfilled. If the objects are filled and stroked, it deletes the strokes.
I don't know what it is with Illustrator and its inability to deal with its own open paths and strokes.
JET -
9. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
Mordy Golding Nov 24, 2008 12:47 PM (in response to Michael Brown12)I don't know what it is with Illustrator and its inability to deal with its own open paths and strokes.
You mean like that one family that always seems to be at the zoo or the museum with the kids who are all over the place and you wonder about the parents' inability to deal with its own children...
Oh come on now -- like we've never yelled at an open path on our computer screens saying "DON'T YOU MAKE ME STOP THIS ILLUSTRATION AND LEAVE YOU ON THE SIDE OF THE ARTBOARD!!!"
:) Mordy -
10. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
JETalmage Nov 24, 2008 1:07 PM (in response to Michael Brown12)'Cept the paths aren't being unruly. The parent is.
It's like a parent trying to pretend no relation at all to his own child.
The Open Path Is Not My Lover
It's Just A Path Who Claims That I Am The One
But The Stroke Is Not My Son
It Says I Am The One, But The Stroke Is Not My Son
JET -
11. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
Mordy Golding Nov 24, 2008 1:22 PM (in response to Michael Brown12)Awesome lyrics, JET.
Sigh. Paths will be paths (bless their little hearts - er, control handles)
:) Mordy -
12. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
Michael Brown12 Nov 25, 2008 8:25 AM (in response to Michael Brown12)Yes, awesome lyrics. Michael Jackson et al could really write songs back in the early '80s.
MGuilfoile -
13. Re: Subtracting objects from other objects
(Gary_Newman) Nov 26, 2008 6:31 AM (in response to Michael Brown12)So that's what he was saying!



