Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 4/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
1) Can I change the colour of a pre-set pattern swatch, and if so how? (E.g. the pre-et is a black stipple and I need it to be a brown stipple.)
2) I'm using the paintbrush tool to illustrate something for the web. The result is dense data/paths that are VERY sluggish when copying/pasting/saving. Is there a way of creating an illustration with the paintbrush that doesn't result in this problem?(rather than the more conventional pen tool/shapes/fill approach)Of course, I want to be able to access the paths to make changes. I'd appreciate any suggestions to address this problem.

ANSWER: Hi Fern,

1. Drag the pattern swatch out of the palette into your document and edit it as a piece of art. Then redrag it into the palette to use. Make sure you keep it intact and drag all components back in.

2. After you are done using the brush, select it and then go to Object>Expand. This will turn your brush into objects and should fix the lag in timing.


Thanks

Kevin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Very grateful, thanks. Q1 a-ok. But still struggling with Q2.  At first, expanding object seemed to help, but when I went to save, got the message again - "can't preview. not enough memory" and the image went into outline mode, couldn't get it to show its colour, preview. Any other ideas for me to try? (i'm in RGB, 72 dpi, 4x6") Thanks.

Answer
Hi Fern,

First, Illustrator does not rely on resolution when creating objects, unless you are using an effect or a style (you can change the resolution in the effects menu). The only time resolution becomes an issue is when you export out of illustrator as a pdf, jpg, or other rasterized file.

When your computer says not enough memory, it is correct and the outline mode attests to that. You must have a major effect or style or a very very large piece of art (but from your question, I hope that it truly is 4x6").

So you have two options, 1- start simpler with your art. I know that is not a great answer, but if you are only having this memory issue with this piece, it could be that you went too complex and Illustrator is now out of memory to preview the effects you have applied.

2 - Buy more memory. What people don't seem to realize is that Illustrator does use a lot of memory. The system requirements listed are bare bones, you can turn it on and play with it settings, not optimum.

Thanks

Kevin