Introduction: How to Make an Outline on an Organic Image Using Adobe Illustrator

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In this tutorial, we will be guiding you through creating an outline and offset path over an organically shaped image using Adobe Illustrator. This is especially helpful for use in sticker making and creating cut lines.

Supplies

Computer with Adobe Ilustrator Installed

Step 1: Make a Canvas

Open up Adobe Illustrator and Click "New File" to begin choosing a canvas.

Step 2: Insert Image: File -> Place

Step 3: Make a Duplicate of the Image

Step 4: Choose One of the Images and Perform an Image Trace

Step 5: Expand the Traced Image

Step 6: Open the "pathfinder" Window

Step 7: Merge and Unite the Image Trace

Step 8: Create Offset Path: Object -> Path -> Offset Path

Step 9: Flip the Fill and Stroke of the Image to Get the Outline

Step 10: Ungroup Path and Delete Unnecessary Strokes

Step 11: Make a Duplicate of the Offset Path

Step 12: Place One Path Over the Image

Step 13: Select Both the Image and Path and Create a Clipping Mask

Step 14: Drag the Second Offset Path Over the Clipped Image and Group Together

Step 15: Resize the Image and Offset Path As Necessary

Step 16: Finished!