Line type effect in Illustrator – or scan lines on type

In this tutorial you will learn some important things related to object manipulating in Illustrator. You will learn how to duplicate and distribute objects in one step, how to cut unwanted paths and more.

Create new document in Illustrator and type some text. Choose bold, heavy typeface. Add some color to type, too.

Use line tool to create line above the type. Add some stroke to it and change stroke color to black or any color you like. You can start with 2 or 3 pt stroke weight. With line selected go Effect – Distort Transform – Transform…

In move section for vertical enter 5 mm (this value will represent space between lines). In number of copies enter 5. For example: for desired 6 lines, you have to enter 5 .

Now, go Object – Expand Appearance.

In the next step go Object – flatten transparency and place only check mark on “convert all strokes to outlines”. Hit OK.

At this stage you need to use selection tool to position your lines on desired part of text.

Once you got your lines in perfect position select all objects, both type and lines and open Pathfinder (Window-Pathfinder). Click on “substract from shape area” icon. To cut unwanted paths go again to Object – flatten transparency.

With direct selection tool you can select and delete some undesired shapes in type.

Hope these tips will help everyone dealing with logo design, too.

Commenting on this Blog entry is closed.