Duplicate & Scale

[JustWakinUp]

Lets say I have a complex shape and it's red. I want the exact same shape inside of the red one but I want it to be 8px smaller but conform to the origional complex shape. I know this is confusing and I haven't a clue how to ask the question. So let me try this example.

A square 40px X 40px it's red.
I want another square inside it to be 36px X 36px & green so that border of green square is equal all the way around my square.

I've tried using stroke size but that messes up my complex shapes. I've tried scaling but it messes up the complex shape and doesn't fit inside the other as it should.
Suggestions please

http://anarchyleather.com

 

[ERIXWORX]

Hmmm...
My method would be...
-copy shape/paste in front
-add an outline to the front shape that's 2x the thickness of the margin you need
-convert the outline to a shape ('object'>'path'>'outline stroke')
-select the converted outline and the shape it was outlining and 'minus front'
Try that; may need to adjust outline settings.
-E

(DISCLAIMER: Self-taught AI user; unorthodox methods w/good results)
'There is no LEASH LAW for the IMAGINATION!'
myspace.com/erixworx

 

[ERIXWORX]

or have you tried 'object'>'path'>'offset path' ?
-E

(DISCLAIMER: Self-taught AI user; unorthodox methods w/good results)
'There is no LEASH LAW for the IMAGINATION!'
myspace.com/erixworx

 

[JustWakinUp]

The offset path is perfect for what I'm trying to accomplish. I did try both methods but the first one was alot more work than the offset path.

Thanks guys !

http://anarchyleather.com