Hello everyone,

I have a mascot (ai file) which I would like to re-size. The problem is that the design in the ai file is about the size of 3 computer screens and I need to re-size it to the size of a business card. When I re-size my mascot to the correct size (holding shift) the border which is around the edge of the design doesn't stay in proportion. Here's what I mean:



^ before



^ after (I know it's mad )

It's probably worth mentioning that I grouped each layer before re-sizing.

I have found one way around this by saving it as a .png file and then importing it but the problem is that the quality is reduced significantly (even at 600dpi) and because it's going on a business card that's a big problem.

I'm sure one of the many talented designers on this forum will be able to point me in the right direction so I look forward to you and thank you in advance!

Jack

Does anyone know what the problem could be

What version of Illustrator are you using?

Originally Posted by LadynRed

What version of Illustrator are you using?

Thanks very much for your reply! I'm using CS5 for Mac.

Is the "border" a stroke or an offset layer?

Originally Posted by chrishirst

Is the "border" a stroke or an offset layer?

Opps I probably should have mentioned this in the beginning. The border consists of a stroke that's applied to each shape.

Thanks.

A stroke is a fixed size so as you scale the vector the stroke stays at 'x' pixels wide.

Originally Posted by chrishirst

A stroke is a fixed size so as you scale the vector the stroke stays at 'x' pixels wide.

Ah that would be why then Do you know what the best way to get the same effect is? It was originally an offset layer but the problem is that it was hard to make the border the same size on the whole design. So on some areas the border was wider than others.

Thanks.

If the stroke defined as a pixel width?

Try reducing the stroke width or setting it in mm or inches rather than pixels.

Select all > Object > Transform > Scale

Enter a % to scale the object/s and ensure "scale stroke & effects" is checked.

Rinse and repeat until you've reached the desired size. Lastly, check the stroke for objects with small stroke after scale. You don't want anything with a stroke less than 1/4pt - mightn't print very well.

Printers don't like stroke, so once you have the final size, select all objects again and convert strokes outlines,

Object > Path > Outline Strokes.

yeah you need to go into your preferences and set "strokes and effects" to scale. That way they'll shrink perfectly.

Just to clarify, it's in Preferences > General > "Scale Strokes and Effects". Check that box and you'll be fine.