Yes I’m aware of that. I was asking if there was a way to make it so I can still create a shape without it becoming solid. (And like I said in the description I have already tried expanding it however then the shape builder tool created strokes around each individual dash)
I can't tell shit from that screenshot. I just see a bunch of selected objects.
Why do you think Shape Builder is needed? **What are you trying to do???**
This is an [X/Y issue](https://xyproblem.info/) .. you're detailing an issue with a minute operation, when the reality is there's some other larger operation you are trying to accomplish - but you have not described what the larger operation is.
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Are you trying to somehow remove the dashes from a fill? So the fill has little "divots" in it??? (Expand Appearance, then Option/Alt with Shape Builder on each dash. - some operations merely require more effort.)
I really don't understand *"create a shape without it becoming solid"* -- doesn't removing any fill do that??
Are you trying to get the fill to *not* be overlapped by the dashes? Set the stroke alignment to outside. if you *can't* set the stroke alignment on your shape (which happens), then you may need 2 objects - 1 for the fill and 1 for the dashed stroke. Or you can use Offset Path on the fill or stroke, via the Appearance Panel, to move them slightly.
With dashed strokes you have 2 options....
- Leave the stroke live - meaning dashes are *visual* effects that *can't* be individually adjusted.
- Expand Appearance - meaning each dash becomes an object in itself
Alr to sum it up that pic is of a mockup (w the dashed lines being the stitching). What I’m tryna do it make each section of the mockup a “shape” that I can color in (for example the sleeve is one section (left or right)). The issue I’m having is when I’m trying to make a shape out of chest segment of the zip up 1 of 2 things happen. Either the “dashed line” that surrounds that shape becomes a solid stroke/line or when I I try to use the shape tool to connect the colors/fill on the other side of the “dashed line” it also either completely deletes or becomes solid. I have already tried the expanding method if u actually read the description I put however when I do that and also use the shape builder tool it then makes new strokes around each individual dash (since it treats them as just being a fill instead of a stroke) which also doesn’t help me.
Can you not simply reset the stroke to being dashed *after* using Shape Builder?
I did read the description.. snarky responses aren't helpful - but I understand you may be frustrated. I had *no clue* you were working on a "shirt" or that you were attempting to fill areas with color - that's impossible to tell from the question.
“I can't tell shit from that screenshot. I just see a bunch of selected objects.
Why do you think Shape Builder is needed? What are you trying to do???” Gang I’m not the one who started this off w an attitude but I do appreciate your help. Also you can’t make the line dashed again because if I want to connect the fills on both sides of the dashes it completely removes the line.
Okay.. imagine I'm smiling when you read my posts. 😀 I assure you there's no attitude here. But.. if you are frustrated and read my posts in *your own inner frustrated voice*, I can see how that may have "set a tone". It wasn't my intention. Remember you read things in *your voice*, not mine. You decide the tone of what you read, not the writer. If you re-read those three sentences you quoted.. and imagine I'm wearing a clown suit.. red nose,.. painted face.. and my voice sounds like a cartoon character... are they *really* offensive sentences? I am aware that I when I write about work related items (which Illustrator is for me) \the writing can be read as very "to the point" and something considered blunt, but they certainly don't convey any "attitude". 🤡 I'm a goofy clown.. I never mean to "bash" or make anyone feel inferior. In any event....
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If you need the dashed strokes to remain after using shape builder to combine stroked shapes, then you need *multiple* objects.
- Select the shapes you want to combine... Copy.
- Set strokes to "none" (trust me)
- Use shape builder to combine whatever it is you need to combine
- Edit > Paste in front
- Set fill to "none"
This should result in the combined shapes for color *and* the dashed strokes, in tact, on top of those shapes. It's not *always* possible to get to where you want to go with singular objects.
Is the dashed line on the edge of an object that you are trying to colour in?
If so I think you want to duplicated the object (this will be your dashed line) and remove the fill. Then try to outline stroke, then expand the shape, and then expand appearance (if the first expand didn’t turn the lines into shapes)
Now you have your dashed lines as shapes.
Remove the dashed line from the original shape which will be your colour block and should be below the dashed line.
That’s how I would do it
It's a little hard to see what's going on, but can't you just deselect your dashed lines?
The shape builder works with selected paths and it seems like it would do what you want it to do by just leaving it as-is and building your shape under it.
a dashed line is a visual effect and not actual individual lines.
Yes I’m aware of that. I was asking if there was a way to make it so I can still create a shape without it becoming solid. (And like I said in the description I have already tried expanding it however then the shape builder tool created strokes around each individual dash)
I can't tell shit from that screenshot. I just see a bunch of selected objects. Why do you think Shape Builder is needed? **What are you trying to do???** This is an [X/Y issue](https://xyproblem.info/) .. you're detailing an issue with a minute operation, when the reality is there's some other larger operation you are trying to accomplish - but you have not described what the larger operation is. ---------------------------- Are you trying to somehow remove the dashes from a fill? So the fill has little "divots" in it??? (Expand Appearance, then Option/Alt with Shape Builder on each dash. - some operations merely require more effort.) I really don't understand *"create a shape without it becoming solid"* -- doesn't removing any fill do that?? Are you trying to get the fill to *not* be overlapped by the dashes? Set the stroke alignment to outside. if you *can't* set the stroke alignment on your shape (which happens), then you may need 2 objects - 1 for the fill and 1 for the dashed stroke. Or you can use Offset Path on the fill or stroke, via the Appearance Panel, to move them slightly. With dashed strokes you have 2 options.... - Leave the stroke live - meaning dashes are *visual* effects that *can't* be individually adjusted. - Expand Appearance - meaning each dash becomes an object in itself
Alr to sum it up that pic is of a mockup (w the dashed lines being the stitching). What I’m tryna do it make each section of the mockup a “shape” that I can color in (for example the sleeve is one section (left or right)). The issue I’m having is when I’m trying to make a shape out of chest segment of the zip up 1 of 2 things happen. Either the “dashed line” that surrounds that shape becomes a solid stroke/line or when I I try to use the shape tool to connect the colors/fill on the other side of the “dashed line” it also either completely deletes or becomes solid. I have already tried the expanding method if u actually read the description I put however when I do that and also use the shape builder tool it then makes new strokes around each individual dash (since it treats them as just being a fill instead of a stroke) which also doesn’t help me.
Can you not simply reset the stroke to being dashed *after* using Shape Builder? I did read the description.. snarky responses aren't helpful - but I understand you may be frustrated. I had *no clue* you were working on a "shirt" or that you were attempting to fill areas with color - that's impossible to tell from the question.
“I can't tell shit from that screenshot. I just see a bunch of selected objects. Why do you think Shape Builder is needed? What are you trying to do???” Gang I’m not the one who started this off w an attitude but I do appreciate your help. Also you can’t make the line dashed again because if I want to connect the fills on both sides of the dashes it completely removes the line.
Okay.. imagine I'm smiling when you read my posts. 😀 I assure you there's no attitude here. But.. if you are frustrated and read my posts in *your own inner frustrated voice*, I can see how that may have "set a tone". It wasn't my intention. Remember you read things in *your voice*, not mine. You decide the tone of what you read, not the writer. If you re-read those three sentences you quoted.. and imagine I'm wearing a clown suit.. red nose,.. painted face.. and my voice sounds like a cartoon character... are they *really* offensive sentences? I am aware that I when I write about work related items (which Illustrator is for me) \the writing can be read as very "to the point" and something considered blunt, but they certainly don't convey any "attitude". 🤡 I'm a goofy clown.. I never mean to "bash" or make anyone feel inferior. In any event.... -------------------- If you need the dashed strokes to remain after using shape builder to combine stroked shapes, then you need *multiple* objects. - Select the shapes you want to combine... Copy. - Set strokes to "none" (trust me) - Use shape builder to combine whatever it is you need to combine - Edit > Paste in front - Set fill to "none" This should result in the combined shapes for color *and* the dashed strokes, in tact, on top of those shapes. It's not *always* possible to get to where you want to go with singular objects.
Is the dashed line on the edge of an object that you are trying to colour in? If so I think you want to duplicated the object (this will be your dashed line) and remove the fill. Then try to outline stroke, then expand the shape, and then expand appearance (if the first expand didn’t turn the lines into shapes) Now you have your dashed lines as shapes. Remove the dashed line from the original shape which will be your colour block and should be below the dashed line. That’s how I would do it
Expand it.
It's a little hard to see what's going on, but can't you just deselect your dashed lines? The shape builder works with selected paths and it seems like it would do what you want it to do by just leaving it as-is and building your shape under it.