Contour cutting layers

[Pinfinity]

I need a little help figuring this out. I have designed a graphic hat has multiple layers in it Outlines, shadows, etc.

When completed need to contour cut the ousted perimeter o the finished graphic.How do I flatten this image so it cuts on the very outside perimeter and not the inside contours. What is the procedure

thanks for any help

 

[J Hill Designs]

perhaps an image would help.

typically you would weld all shapes that would be part of the contour cut, define its spot color correctly, then output

to 'not have it cut' the inner stuff, dont include that in the contour path...

 

[oksigns]

My experience is with Illustrator.. but the same principle applies basically.

There is a few ways around this depending on how complicated the file is built.

Fast method.

Save a copy of the "final" as this would be used just for the purpose of weeding out the outer path. Run Pathfinder(combine all shapes)>Unite. You are gluing all shapes together to find the final outline. You should have one big blob but you now have an uninterrupted outside path. If this is not the result you want, rewind, and repeat only uniting the outer shapes you want.

Once you have this final "outline" shape, copy it, go back to the original artwork file, PASTE-IN-PLACE, and make sure you are only seeing the stroke.

Long Method

Save a copy as a backup as you may break the file. In this copy, identify only the shapes that make up the outer most paths you desire, copy and PASTE-IN-PLACE in to a new layer called "CUT PATHS" or whatever, and hand stitch/combine these paths; deleting the unneeded bits as they appear using Pathfinder, Shape Builder tool, or whatever you are working in that allows you to edit paths/crop shapes.

If you would like more help just PM me.. but remember to always save a copy just in case something "breaks"