Expert: Amy - 5/23/2009

Question
I imported an autocad file into illustrator.

When I selected the picture in illustrator and tried to make it into a live paint group, I got the error saying "The selection contains objects that cannot be converted. Live paint groups can only contain paths and compound paths. Clipping paths are not allowed."

I have no idea what this means. Is it something in the autocad file? Or something I should do in illustrator? My autocad files contained hatches, blocks, polylines, etc. Does this cause a problem?

Thank you for your help!

- Katherine  

Answer
Hi Katherine,

Yes, your Auto Cad file most likely contains clipping paths. To see if it does, select the picture and choose Object > Clipping Mask > Release. Repeat that a couple times.

Clipping paths are used to mask off areas within your AutoCad artwork, and yes, it could be the area using the hatches.

If you can release some of those clipping masks, you might be able to LivePaint it. If the artwork relies on those masks to look correct, then you won't be able to use LivePaint.

I hope for you that you can,
Amy