Dash to Paths

Dash to Paths

Script for Adobe Illustrator

✦ Available exclusively on Patreon for Pro supporters.

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Description

The Dash to Paths script is a powerful Adobe Illustrator tool that expands dashed lines into individual solid path segments, without converting the stroke to outlines. This script is essential for designers who need to work with dashed elements as separate objects, whether for further editing, applying different effects to individual segments, or preparing artwork for specific output requirements.

The script intelligently handles both straight lines and curved paths, preserving the original stroke properties while giving you complete control over how the resulting segments are organized.

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Key Features

  • Smart Path Detection: Automatically identifies and processes only dashed paths from your selection.
  • Curve Support: Handles both straight lines and complex Bezier curves with precision.
  • Multiple Output Options: Choose between grouped segments, compound paths, or individual paths.
  • Fill Preservation: Maintains original fill colors when present, creating separate filled backgrounds.
  • Progress Tracking: Real-time progress bar and status updates during processing.

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Installation

1. Download the Dash to Paths.jsx script file.

2. Place the script in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:

⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts

⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts

3. Restart Adobe Illustrator if it's already running.

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Using the Script

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➊ Run the Script

  1. Open your Adobe Illustrator document containing dashed paths.
  2. Select the paths with dashed strokes that you want to convert.
  3. Access the script via File > Scripts > Dash to Paths.
  4. The script dialog will appear multiple options:

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image gallery

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➋ Configure Options

The script dialog provides multiple options:

  • Number of dashed paths found in your selection.

Three grouping options: 

  • Group dash segments by original path (Default): Creates organized groups for easy management.
  • Create compound paths from dash segments: Combines segments into compound paths for unified editing.
  • Keep each dash segment as separate path: Maximum flexibility for individual segment manipulation.

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➌ Choose Your Workflow

  • For organized editing: Select "Group dash segments" to maintain clear organization.
  • For unified path operations: Choose "Create compound paths" when you need to treat all segments as one object.
  • For maximum control: Pick "Keep separate paths" when you need to manipulate individual segments.

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➍ Process the Paths

  1. Click the Process button to begin conversion.
  2. Monitor the progress bar as each dashed path is processed.
  3. The status panel will show current progress and completion status.
  4. Processing time varies based on path complexity and quantity.

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➎ Review Results

After processing completes:

  • Original dashed paths are automatically removed.
  • New solid path segments are created according to your chosen option.
  • If fills were present, they're preserved as separate background elements.
  • The converted paths are automatically selected for immediate use.

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image galleryimage gallery

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➏ Additional Features

  • ✚ Button: Quickly reselect and zoom to the original dashed paths.
  • Progress Tracking: Real-time updates showing which path is being processed.
  • Smart Selection: For individual paths, selection is limited to 50 objects to prevent crashes.
  • Cancel: Close without applying changes.
  • ⏼ Icon: Provides access to user guide information.

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This script streamlines the process of converting dashed elements into workable path segments, making it an invaluable tool for professional design workflows that require precise control over line elements.

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Dash to Paths

Version: 1.0.0

Updated:

Download Dash to Paths

  • 1.0.0 – Initial release.

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    Tested on MacOS:

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    • Adobe Illustrator 2023 (27.0)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
    • Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.0)

  • Supported Versions:

    • Compatible with Adobe Illustrator CS6 and later, including Adobe Illustrator CC versions.

    Operating Systems:

    • Works on both macOS and Windows platforms.

  • End User License Agreement (EULA)

    Last Updated: 21.12.2024

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    This End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legal agreement between you (“User” or “Licensee”) and Samolevsky.com (“Licensor”) regarding the use of the Adobe Illustrator scripts (“Software”). By downloading, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.

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    1. Grant of License

    Licensor grants the User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the Software in accordance with this Agreement.

    • Free Software: If the Software is provided for free, you may use it for personal or commercial purposes without payment, subject to the restrictions outlined in this Agreement.
    • Paid Software: If the Software is provided for a fee, you may use it only after payment has been made in full.

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    2. Usage Rights

    You are permitted to:

    • Install and use the Software on devices you own or control.
    • Use the Software in your personal or commercial projects, subject to compliance with this Agreement.

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    3. Restrictions

    You may NOT:

    • Reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, underlying ideas, or algorithms of the Software.
    • Reuse, incorporate, or integrate any portion of the Software into any other software, product, or project, except as expressly permitted by the Licensor in writing.
    • Resell, redistribute, or share the Software, whether in its original or modified form, without prior written consent from the Licensor.
    • Claim ownership of the Software or its underlying code.
    • Use the Software in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations.

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    4. Ownership

    The Software and all intellectual property rights therein remain the exclusive property of the Licensor. This Agreement does not transfer ownership of the Software or any intellectual property rights to the User.

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    5. Disclaimer of Warranties

    THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

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    6. Limitation of Liability

    To the maximum extent permitted by law, Licensor shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the Software.

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    7. Termination

    This Agreement is effective until terminated. Licensor may terminate this Agreement immediately if you breach any term of this Agreement. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software and destroy any copies in your possession.

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    8. Updates and Support

    Licensor is not obligated to provide updates, support, or maintenance for the Software. However, updates may be provided at the sole discretion of the Licensor.

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    9. Governing Law

    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

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    10. Entire Agreement

    This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Licensor concerning the Software and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings regarding such subject matter.

    By using the Software, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms.

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    For any questions or concerns regarding this Agreement, please contact us at hello@samolevsky.com

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Introducing ScriptBox

Your Complete Adobe Illustrator Productivity Hub

Install Extension

➊ Toolbox

Access to 200+ pre-built scripts organized in categories.

➋ Script Launcher

Load and manage third-party scripts from custom folders.

➌ Panel Manager

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➍ Favourites

Save frequently used scripts and panels for quick access.

➎ Code Editor

Write, edit, and execute custom ExtendScript/JavaScript code.

➏ Task Manager

An integrated to-do list that helps you track design tasks and jot down your ideas.

➐ Video Player

Create your own personal video library and watch YouTube videos right within the extension.

➑ Image Gallery

A visual moodboard allowing you to keep inspiration and reference materials right in your workspace while you design.

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Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

Learn more

Adobe Illustrator is a professional vector graphics software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used by designers, illustrators, and artists for creating a variety of digital artwork, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and complex design layouts. Illustrator is known for its precision and scalability, allowing users to create high-quality graphics that can be resized without losing clarity. Its features include powerful drawing tools, customizable brushes, advanced typography options, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Illustrator is a go-to tool for creative professionals working on projects for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

  • 🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder

    To install a Dash to Paths.jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator
can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:

    1. MacOS:
      Open Finder and navigate to:
      Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
    2. Windows:
      Open File Explorer and navigate to:
      C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
    3. Replace <Version> with your Adobe Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
    4. Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).

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    🅱 Installing the Script

    1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Dash to Paths.jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
    2. On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
    3. Restart Adobe Illustrator: To refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

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    Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.

    1. Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active.
    2. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
    3. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
    4. Click the Dash to Paths script to run it.
    5. The Dash to Paths script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.

    ☻ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

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