Expert: Tom Rouze - 6/17/2005

Question
Hi Tom, any advice you have on this Q would be much appreciated.

My Illustrator CS file consists of a US Map with overlaid icons denoting geographic locations.  A background layer has the states and state names.  Other layers have the particular geographic locations.

I imported the background layer from one CS file into my main file.  My problem is the background layer isn't aliged with the icon layers.

When I try to drag and drop the background layer to align it, either -

1.  The other layers drag with it, like they're locked together, or,

2.  When I "select all" in the background layer, and try to drag it using the "direct selection tool", only some components - the state outlines and state names - can be dragged.  Other elements like the state shapes filled with color will not select using 'select all', and won't drag.

In sum, how can I drag and drop one, and only one, layer of my multi-layer Illustrator CS file?

Kind regards,

Len Ross

Answer
Hi Len,
Sorry about the delay getting back to you.  You may have inadvertently locked a group.  Check the file that everything is unlocked.  Is it possible that components on that layer are part of a template?
I could take a closer look if you'd like.  Just email me the file at printspecialist2003@yahoo.com.

Thank you,

Tom