Expert: Amy - 8/5/2009

Question
Hello Amy,
I am a junior designer, just started in local newspaper.
The problem is that the previous designer has worked on Corel Draw.
So the only way to work on older files is to open them as .eps in AI.
The problem is that when I open eps file in AI I cannot work on it because when I click with the selection tool on some element of the art work it selects everything on the art board?!?

I work slowly with Corel Draw, so I want to work on those old .eps files in AI.
What is the best way?

Thanks in advance!
Ves

Answer
Hi Ves,

Sometimes other program formats create clipping masks to establish page boundaries.

You probably just need to ungroup or release some clipping masks.

Select everything, then ungroup. If that does nothing, select everything, then choose:

Object > Clipping Masks > Release  (Ctrl + Alt + 7)

You can also use a combination of Shift + the White Arrow to select things individually and copy them if that works for you.

If you would like, you can send me an example so I can verify the file is all right but that is pretty much what it sounds like to me.

AmyLynPace@yahoo.com