Split Path to Segments Live Effect
Split Path to Segments is an Astute Graphics live effect that breaks a path at its anchor points into multiple segments. Paths can be split at corner points, sharp points, or all points.
As with most live effects, Split Path to Segments 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.
Split Path to Segments 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:
Split Path to Segments Parameters Dialog
1. Split At
Specifies which types of anchor points at which splits should occur: corner, smooth, or both.
AG Utilities Live Effects - Split Path to Segments Examples
2. Filter By Index
When enabled, each anchor point’s index (starting with zero on each path) is used to determine whether the path will be split at that point. Filter by Index has seven different methods, as follows:
a. First: Each path will be split at the first n points, where n is the specified value.
Split Path to Segments Filter by Index First Controls
b. Last: Each path will be split at the last n points, where n is the specified value.
Split Path to Segments Filter by Index Last Controls
c. First or Last: Only the first and last points will be used as split points.
d. Odd: Only points with an odd index (1, 3, 5, 7...) will be used as split points.
e. Even: Only points with an even index (0, 2, 4, 6...) will be used as split points.
f. Pattern: Creates a repeating pattern of matching indices based on the three pattern parameters.
Split Path to Segments Filter by Index Pattern Controls
Initial Skip specifies the number of indices to skip over at the start (the path will not be split at points with these indices). Then, Match specified the number of indices that will match and therefore cause splits. Finally, Skip specifies the number of indices to skip over following the matching indices. When the total of the values in the three parameters is less than the number of anchor points, the pattern repeats, using the Match and Skip values in alternation.
Split Path to Segments Filter by Index - Pattern
g. Randomly: At each anchor point, the path has the specified random chance (from 0% to 100%) of being split. Clicking the Seed button picks a new random seed, thereby changing the look of the artwork. To view or specify the seed number directly,
Option/Alt-clickthe button. This lets you recreate a previously-generated look.
Split Path to Segments Filter by Index Randomly Controls
3. Preview
As with all live effects, when enabled, changing a parameter will immediately update the artwork while the dialog is still open.
3. Help Button
Opens the help documentation in the Astute Manager. If this does not automatically appear, please ensure your Astute Manager is running first.
