How to convert to path (Illustrator CS5)



How to convert to path (Illustrator CS5)


Question

I have a PDF (exported from CAD) that I am working with in Illustrator CS5. Lines in the PDF are made of triangles, and I would like to convert the lines to be a single stroked path. What is the best way to do that using Illustrator?

line with triangles triangles broken out

2013/12/19
1
2
12/19/2013 4:30:00 PM

This is not a one step process, and it may not work in all cases, but it will get the job done in a pinch:

  1. Start with your sliced up artwork
  2. Pathfinder > Unite
  3. Release the resulting Compound Path
  4. Paint the inner path a different color
  5. Use the "old school" Blend Tool, and set its Spacing to Specified Steps of 1
  6. Expand the Blend
  7. Delete the inner and outer paths.
  8. You're left with a close approximation of the center

Here is what it looks like. It seems like more work than it actually is:

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2013/12/17
2
12/17/2013 9:40:00 PM