Expert: Amy - 8/28/2005

Question
I use Illustrator 10 on a PC.

I downloaded some swatch patterns from the Adobe website and the patterns are exactly what I need...except for the color.  Is there anyway to open a preset swatch and change then modify it myself?

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Shelley -

Sorry it has taken me so long to answer this question, I've been under the weather. Good news is that your task is simple.

Here's how to do what you asked:

Grab the swatch from the swatch window and drag it onto the artboard.  It will create a single tile of the swatch.

Ungroup the tile or use the Direct Selection tool (white arrow) to work on it and change its elements and colors.

When you are done, regroup it and drag it back into the swatches window and you can use it like any other swatch!

Hope this helps!
Amy Pace