Dashes

Dashify is an Astute Graphics live effect for paths that breaks them into multiple segments that, if stroked, have the same look as native dashes. But unlike native dashes, when a path with Dashify is expanded, each dash is converted to a short, open section of a compound path rather than an outlined, filled and closed path. Additionally, Dashify supports five independent lengths for pairs of dashes and gaps, an additional alignment mode for open paths, and randomization options.

As with most live effects, Dashify appears in the main menu, under Effect > AG Utilities. It can also be applied directly from the Appearance panel using the “Add New Effect” button at the bottom of the panel.

Dashify Parameters Dialog

After applying the live effect using the menu item (or when clicking on the existing effect in the Appearance panel to edit it), the parameters dialog will appear:

AG Utilities Live Effects - Dashify Parameters Dialog

1. Align Dashes to Corners and Path Ends

When enabled, dashes are aligned in the same manner as the native dashes are aligned using the native Stroke panel’s “Align” button. This may cause the absolute size of each dash and gap to be changed slightly.

2. Use Alternate Algorithm for Open Paths

Available when Align Dashes to Corners and Path Ends is enabled. When enabled, dashes are aligned such that each end of the open path gets a full dash rather than the half-dash that the native algorithm produces. Interior corners will be ignored for alignment purposes.

AG Utilities Live Effects - Dashify Alignment

3. Always End on First Dash

Available when the Alternate Algorithm for Open Paths is being used. When enabled, the dashed path will not only start with the first dash in the pattern but will also end with it:

AG Utilities Live Effects - Dashify Alignment (Always end on first dash)

4. Dash Offset

Shifts the starting position of the dash pattern along the path. Positive values move the pattern in the path’s direction while negative values move it in the opposite direction. Dash Offset is not available when Align Dashes to Corners and Path Ends is enabled.

AG Utilities Live Effects - Dashify Dash Offset

5. Dashes and Gaps

As per the native Stroke panel, specifies the length of the dashes and gaps. Supports up to five pairs of values, (compared to three for the native panel). When using zero as a gap length, the path will still be broken into dashes; each will touch its neighbours. Zero can be useful as a dash length when combined with round end caps: it produces circular dots.

6. Randomize

Allows randomization of the lengths of the dashes and/or the gaps. Randomization is not available when Align Dashes to Corners and Path Ends is enabled.

7. Distribution Curves

Specifies either a linear distribution in random values (all values in the range are equally likely to be chosen) or a Gaussian distribution (central values in the range are more likely to be chosen).

8. Seed

Each random seed number leads to a different sequence of random values. Clicking the button picks a new seed, thereby changing the look of the artwork. To view or specify the seed number directly, Option/Alt-click the button. This lets you recreate a previously-generated look.

9. Dash Length Variation

Specifies the random variation in the length of each dash. For example, if a dash’s length is set to 20 pt, then a variation value of 25% would produce lengths that vary by as much as 20 pt × 25% = 5 pt, that is, between 15 pt and 20 pt; a variation value of 90% would produce lengths between 2 pt and 20 pt.

10. Gap Length Variation

As per Dash Length Variation, but for gaps.

AG Utilities Live Effects - Dashify Randomization

11. Preview

As with all live effects, when enabled, changing a parameter will immediately update the artwork while the dialog is still open.