Path Intersections

VectorScribe adds a submenu item to the main Illustrator Object > Path menu: “Path Intersections...

It allows you to add anchor points to (or cut) the positions along all selected paths where the path intersects itself or another path. This is especially useful when working on stroked but unfilled paths, since only a few of the native PathFinder operations work with them, and those that do (such as “Outline”) strip the paths of their appearance.

Path Intersections Menu Item

Choosing the menu item (which may be assigned a keyboard shortcut) brings up a dialog:

Path Intersections Dialog

1. Add Points to Paths

2. Cut Paths

Chooses the operation to make at all eligible points of path intersection.

3. Only Consider Intersections With Top Path

Intersections between paths which are not the top path will be ignored.

4. Ignore Self-Intersections

Points at which a path intersects with itself (e.g., a loop) will be ignored.

5. Don’t Alter Topmost Path

It is often useful to create a temporary path over your art to act as a “cookie-cutter” for the paths below it. By leaving this topmost path intact, it is easier to delete it afterwards.

Path Intersections Example