Releasing Gradient Mesh?

[C***@adobeforums.com]

I've created a mesh object and have decided I don't want to use Gradient Mesh on this particular thing, but I want to keep the shape I drew. I can't find how to "release" the Mesh, that is, get rid of the mesh points and revert back to a flat object. I've tried dragging the items ("Mesh" and "Mesh Points") to the trash in the Appearance palette, but the trash is greyed out. I hope there is an easy way to do this--I put some time into drawing the shape, and forgot to duplicate it just in case. Thanks.

[D***@adobeforums.com]

1. Select the mesh object

2. Select Object Menu>Path>Offset Path

3. Set the inset value to 0 (zero)

The new path likely will have more points than you placed when you drew the original, but it will follow the correct shape.

[S***@adobeforums.com]

New path will probably be behind the mesh as well, Cheryl.

You can also use Object > Path > Simplify to eliminate some of the extra anchors that may be created.

[I***@adobeforums.com]

Object > Flatten transparency - Vector 100% - Preserve Alpha

This option created the outside shape with less points than the offset path method (still more than the original shape, though)

delete the embedded picture and direct select the resulting path.

Ian