: Difference between "Expand" and "Outline Stroke" in Adobe Illustrator? Using Adobe Illustrator, "Expand" and "Outline stroke" seem to produce the same result of converting a path to an object (correct

@Vandalay110

Apparently, according to the comments, this guy summed it up very succinctly.


ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR - EXPAND APPEARANCE, EXPAND AND OUTLINE STROKE

Vote Up Vote Down

@Nimeshi706

"Outline Stroke" is essentially a subset of "Expand". If all you have is a simple object with a stroke applied then they will do the same thing.

"Expand" on the other hand will affect most things. It will expand strokes, fills, gradients (to a single gradient mesh), blends, envelope distorts and probably more. It's bigger brother "Expand Appearance" will also expand any effects and appearance attributes applied to an object.

You can read more in the help:


Illustrator Help / How to group and expand objects


As for when to use each...


If you only want to outline a stroke then use "Outline Stroke" (unless your object only has a stroke then use either).
If you want to expand more complex attributes such as envelopes or blends then use "Expand" or "Expand Appearance".

Vote Up Vote Down