Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 12/1/2009

Question
I'm slow to upgrade and am now moving directly from AI 8 to CS4 (Mac). However, when I open my version 8 files with CS4 Illustrator I can no longer see/select my type or select parts of the vector drawings thusly I can't make modifications. I've tried updating to legacy text when opening and ungrouping objects but this doesn't do anything. After searching for help I realize this might require a more extensive lesson than a simple answer from you. Any direction is appreciated.

Answer
Hi Marie,

You can select all first (Edit>Select All), then go to Object>Clipping Mask>Release. This will release the mask covering your art. You can also double click using the Select tool to enter isolation mode (highlights specific objects and grays out others) and keep double clicking until you can edit the parts you want. To exit, use the back arrow on the top left of the window.

In general, the help menu and adobe tv (tv.adobe.com) are great assets.


Thanks

Kevin