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Convert strokes to compound paths

Converting a stroke to a compound path lets you modify the outline of the stroke. For example, you can create a stroke with a varied width or divide the stroke into pieces.

  1. Select the object.
  2. Choose Object > Path > Outline Stroke.

    The resulting compound path is grouped with the filled object. To modify the compound path, first ungroup it from the fill or select it with the Group Selection tool.

    Use the Layers panel to identify the contents of a group.