Master Adobe Illustrator's Object Expand Feature

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Converting Logo to Outlines
3. Applying Stroke to the Text
4. Creating a Copy of the Outline
5. Separating the Text and Outline
6. Uniting the Text and Outline
7. Adding Rectangles to Cover Areas
8. Uniting the Rectangles
9. Styling the Shape
10. Applying Gradients to the Shape
11. Conclusion

How to Create an Outline around a Logo in Adobe Illustrator

In this Adobe Illustrator tutorial, I will Show You how to Create an outline around a logo. Adding an outline to a logo can provide a distinct and eye-catching effect that enhances the overall design. Whether you're creating a logo for a client or working on your own project, this technique can be a valuable addition to your design skills.

1. Introduction

First, it's essential to have your logo converted to outlines. Converting the text to outlines ensures that it becomes a complete vector shape that is not editable. To convert the text to outlines, select the text, go to "Type" in the menu bar, and choose "Create Outlines."

2. Converting Logo to Outlines

To create an outline around the logo, you need to increase the stroke width. Go to the "Stroke" tab or palette, which can be found under the "Window" menu. Increase the stroke width to your desired value. This will determine the thickness of the outline.

3. Applying Stroke to the Text

Make a copy of the logo by holding the "Alt" key and dragging the logo to create a duplicate. This copy will create the outline around the text while keeping the original logo intact.

4. Creating a Copy of the Outline

To separate the text and the outline, go to the "Object" menu, then choose "Expand." In the "Expand" options, make sure that "Fill" and "Stroke" are checked. Click "OK." This action will automatically separate the text from the outline.

5. Separating the Text and Outline

After expanding the logo, you can ungroup the objects by right-clicking on the logo and choosing "Ungroup." Repeat the process until the text and the outline are entirely separate entities.

6. Uniting the Text and Outline

To unite all the parts of the logo, select both the text and the outline, and go to the "Pathfinder" palette. If the palette is not already open, you can find it under the "Window" menu. In the "Pathfinder" palette, click on the "Unite" option. This will combine the text and outline into a single shape.

7. Adding Rectangles to Cover Areas

To cover specific areas with a solid color, use the rectangle tool while holding down the "Shift" key to create perfectly square shapes. Place the rectangles over the areas you want to cover and select all the shapes.

8. Uniting the Rectangles

To unite the rectangles, go back to the "Pathfinder" palette, and click on the "Unite" option. This will merge all the rectangles into a single shape.

9. Styling the Shape

Now that you've created the outline and covered the desired areas, you can style the shape further. You can adjust the stroke width in the "Stroke" palette or set it to zero for no stroke. Additionally, you can change the fill color of the shape to match your design preferences.

10. Applying Gradients to the Shape

One of the advantages of creating an outline and turning it into its own shape is the ability to Apply gradients. Click on the "Options" button in the "Gradient" palette, and you can create cool gradients by dragging colors and adjusting the gradient sliders.

11. Conclusion

In conclusion, creating an outline around a logo in Adobe Illustrator is a simple yet effective technique to add depth and visual interest to your designs. By converting the text to outlines, applying strokes, separating the text and outline, uniting the parts, and adding and uniting rectangles, you can achieve a unique and professional-looking logo.

Remember to experiment with different stroke widths, colors, and gradients to unleash the full creative potential of this technique. With practice and creativity, you can design stunning logos that stand out from the crowd.

Highlights

• Learn how to create an outline around a logo in Adobe Illustrator
• Convert text to outlines for a complete vector shape
• Apply strokes to achieve the desired outline thickness
• Separate the text and outline for further editing
• Unite the parts to create a single shape
• Use rectangles to cover specific areas
• Style the shape by adjusting stroke width and fill color
• Apply gradients to the shape for added visual interest
• Create unique and professional-looking logos

FAQ

Q: Can I apply this technique to any text or logo in Adobe Illustrator?

A: Yes, you can apply this technique to any text or logo that you have in Adobe Illustrator.

Q: Are there any limitations to the stroke width I can use?

A: There are no specific limitations to the stroke width you can use. However, keep in mind that extremely thick strokes may affect the overall design and legibility of the logo.

Q: Can I change the color of the outline and the text independently?

A: Yes, once you have separated the text and the outline, you can easily change their colors independently.

Q: How can I create complex gradients for the shape?

A: By accessing the "Options" button in the "Gradient" palette, you can create intricate gradients by dragging colors and adjusting the gradient sliders.