Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 6/30/2011

Question
QUESTION: HI,

I have CS5.5, and in Illustrator, when several objects are in a clipping path or a group, the path edges are hidden. It only shows the outside edge of the clipping path/group. I WANT to see the edges of all objects, but I can't find anyway to turn them on.

thanks,

ANSWER: HI Colleen,

I'm assuming by "edges" you mean the stroked paths. This is a normal side-effect of creating a clipping mask. If you want to show the edges of the item you are using to clip the objects, you will need to copy it first and then paste in place or paste in front. If they are in a group, they should all be visible and not change at all. Grouping objects does not normally change their appearances.

Please either try to explain a little further or take a screen shot showing what you are experiencing and I can help you out.

Thanks

Kevin

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

QUESTION: In CS3 if i chose a group that was in a clipping path it would show all the paths (like the image on the left). Now in CS5 it only shows the outer clipping (on the right).

I don't know why - but this really bugs me, because I feel like I'm not selecting everything, just that outer frame. So I'm looking for a way to have it show all the edges when it's selected.

thanks!

Answer
Hi Colleen,

Ok this is easier than I thought. First select your object. Then look at the top of your screen in your options bar. There are two buttons to the left of the bar that look like a Circle with a dot inside of it. This allows you to edit or select the clipped objects or the clipping mask itself. Toggle between these two buttons to edit or see the edges of your items.

Thanks

Kevin