The direction of the offset depends on whether you type a positive or
negative Distance value.
When you offset an object that has an open path, type a negative
value to offset the new object to the inside of the curve. Type a posi-
tive value to offset the new object to the outside of the curve.
When you offset an object that has a closed path, type a negative
number to offset the new object to the inside of the original path.
Type a positive number to offset the new object to the outside of the
original path.
An offset object can differ in shape from the original object, if a large
offset distance makes the path cross itself to follow narrow angles or
tight curves of the original object.
Using clipping paths
A clipping path is a special object that creates a frame or window on
an object. You can use text objects and vector objects as clipping
paths.
You can apply a clipping path to one or more objects. The clipping
path frames the objects it is applied to. Anything inside the clipping
path remains visible, while anything outside the path is hidden, or
clipped.
If you apply an oval clipping path to a photo, for example, the photo
is visible inside the oval, while any part of the photo outside the oval
is not visible.
Because clipping paths are vector objects, clipping effects print
smoothly at maximum resolution on any printer, including PostScript
and non-PostScript devices.
Clipping paths create hard-edged effects. Clipping paths are often
used to cut photos and illustrations into shapes such as circles or
curves. You can use text as a clipping path to create the effect of text
characters filled with photos or other graphics.
If you want to create feathered or graduated clipping effects, you can
use vector transparency masks and channel masks instead of clipping
paths. For information, see SpriteLayer effects on page 20.355.