Convert expanded blend to one simple vector shape [closed]

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Is it possible to convert an expanded blend to a simple lightweight vector shape, without all these inbetween paths of all n steps? It seems like a complicated object to work with since computer has to recalculate all the changes that are made to the inside paths.

Answer 1

Go to Object > Blend > Expand. Then, with all of the steps selected, go to Pathfinder and merge all the shapes together.

Answer 2

I don't believe there is a way to convert it back to a single vector shape as it would have to be able to translate the blend into either a linear gradient, radial gradient, or gradient mesh.
The beauty of blends is that they aren't bound by the same rules that allow the gradient or gradient mesh tools to work, and you can get some really awesome color blends across complicated shapes.