Create (or resize) vector object based on offset?

[Eelco]

Hi all,

I have a simple problem, I can't find an easy solution for. I have a vector (lets say) rectangle, with the perfect proportions. With a 2 pixel grey line and black fill. Now I want to make my line wider, it should be 6 pixels, but it should keep the same outline as the original. If I now resize my image (or the object) with 4 pixels, my width would accommodate my 6 pixel line, without changing the original outline, but in the height is would now be higher...

If I select "Create raster selection" on my rectangle and use "Modify" -> "Contract" by 2 pixels, the selection has exactly the shape my path should be. Is there something similar, or a trick I can use, to "offset" a path, relative to another path?

Sincerely, Eelco.

[LeviFiction]

First, would just increasing the width of the vector shape stroke be sufficient?

Otherwise, yes, there is a way with the pen tool. You can also do it from the Objects menu (Objects -> Transform Selected Nodes -> Expand/Contract) but those will use the settings that were last used in the Pen Tool. So I prefer to just go to the pen tool. PLEASE NOTE: This works only with Vector Paths, not preset shapes. If you want this to work with your rectangle you'll need to convert it to a path. You can do this by selecting the shape then going to "Objects -> Convert to Path"

Grab the pen tool, put the tool into Edit mode, select the path (Ctrl + A to grab all nodes in path or double click on a node to select all nodes in the path path) , then on the tool options palette there is a section for doing things like rotating, duplicating and offsetting, and contracting and expanding. Select Contract from the drop-down list, enter the amount to contract by X and Y, and hit the checkmark icon by the number boxes. And that number will be used whenever you use Objects->Transform Selected Nodes -> Contract until you change it.

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