dashed line, with perspective

I'm still running Illustrator 9 (although I think it's time to upgrade)

I don't seem to be having much luck with the free distort effect. I can only move the dashed line around instead of getting the bottom part of the dash fat and the top dash thin.

Did you do the Object>flatten transparency first? Then grab just one of the handles on the bottom of the free transform and drag it out?

Richard, you may try this:

As Philip says, start with Object>Flatten Transparency; remember to convert strokes to outlines.

Then, if your dashed line goes upward, try with Effect>Warp>Arc, Vertical, Bend 0, Horizontal -10, Vertical +50, or whichever values suit you (both distortions are needed in order to get the perspective effect); you may use a curved path to start with.

Richard, prior to Illustrator CS and Adobe Dimensions, you could achieve the same results you're looking for by using the Scale Tool and some additional steps. However, its quite easy, and much more flexible, in CS. Try this: 1)Draw a 10 pt line about a 1/2" in length. 2)Duplicate across the length of page. Don't forget to space them apart. 3)Select all. Then, Object > Path > Outline Stroke. 4)Group all. 5)Effect > 3D > Rotate. 6)IMPORTANT! Before you click OK, experiment with the Perspective settings until you achieve your desired results. 7)Apply a gradient (a receding black to white) Also, don't forget to hold down the Shift key while applying the gradient. 8)Effect > Warp > Arc (to your liking). Tire tracks are optional. Eddie

Have you considered using Dashed line with large point, then EXPAND and manually reduce the sides to make perspective?

Bob

No good, yet.

Starting with a dashed stroke, then flatten transparancy, then convert stroke to outlines, the result is a rectangle with a line down the middle (no dashes).

Illustrator 9 has no warp effect.

A dashed line plus expand produces a solid line.

I was also playing with a simple pattern brush, placed on a stroke, expanded and then distorted. Also, no luck.

This can't be that hard.

Richard,

Have you tried to make a physical perspective line and then make a brush out of it? Make your dashed stroke perhaps with a 10 weight, then Transparancy Flatten. You get each dash as a separate opject. Now using Direct Selection tool, apply your own diminishing line of dashes. Make this into a brush and apply to a stroke. Modify to fit your needs.

Bob

Richard,

Starting with a dashed stroke, then flatten transparancy, then convert
stroke to outlines, the result is a rectangle with a line down the middle
(no dashes).




I meant tick convert strokes to outlines BEFORE you press OK to Flatten Transparency, as part of it.

A completely different approach is to make two side paths fitting the sides of the dashed line (straight or curved), meeting at the horizon, and closing the path. After this you may add a sufficient number of anchor points so you get distances corresponding to the gaps, cut the side paths at the gaps, and rejoin the side paths to make the dashes; both gaps and dashed being shorter you will need to add more anchor points in the far end.

Written before I saw the post from Bob.