: Illustrator Offset multiple paths and discard original I have a file with a large amount of small objects. I want to inset their outlines to make them smaller and discard the original paths.

@BetL875

Using Offset Path is perfect for your scenario


Select all Objects
Object→Path→Offset Path→( - #) important to be a negative number
Now hit Ctrl/Command+X (to cut the smaller items)
Select all other items


delete

Paste in exact position Ctrl/Command+F (the cut items)

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@Caterina889

Possibly...

Select the objects and choose Effects > Path > Offset Path and enter your negative value. ... notice its the Effects menu and not the Object Menu item.

Note the Appearance Panel. The Effect must be applied to the Fill:



This won't work if it's applied anywhere else in the Appearance stack. If your object have "Mixed Appearance" you may need to use Select Same to target those with similar fills first and apply the effect.

Once the effect is in place, choose Object > Expand Appearance and the offset should be "baked in" without any left over, residual paths.

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