: Adding dashed lines inside a shape in Illustrator I'm trying to create something like this. From this. See those dashed lines or dotted lines inside the shape? Any tips on how I can do

@Murray976

It would be even better if you use Effect → Path → Offset Path combining it with the multiple Strokes and Fills in Appearance Panel. In this case you may create the scpecific Graphic Style and then apply it to any shapes with one click.

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@Nimeshi706

You can add multiple strokes to a shape using the Appearance panel and offset. This has the benefit of only have a single shape to maintain, rather than duplicating the shape and having to re-do the effect with any changes to your shape. See The pros and cons of using the appearance panel to create complex shapes and strokes in AI.


Add a second stroke using the button at the bottom of the panel.
Click "Stroke:" to bring up the stroke options and add your dashes.
With the Stroke row selected use the "fx" button to add an Offset Path effect.

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@Kevin459

Select your shape and go to Object > Path > Offset Path...
Set a negative value for the Offset to put the new path
INSIDE the existing one. You may need to experiment with the other settings to get a result that you like the look of.
Change the style of your new, inner path to a dashed line. This
option can be found in the Stroke palette. Again, experiment with the settings to taste.

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