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About Amy
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can help troubleshoot your Illustrator problem and suggest the best way to get the results you need.

Experience
I've been a graphic artist for about 20 years.

You are here: Experts > Computing/Technology > Graphics Software > Adobe Illustrator

Questions Answered By Expert Amy
In Category Adobe Illustrator

Subject	Date Asked

Taking Illustrator doc to html	9/18/2008
Q: I have created a flier on illustrator, and have even linked community names to their webpage from ... A: You're going to want to use the "save for web" command in Illustrator. First, you'll want to use ...
Exporting an Illustrator file to AutoCAD	6/17/2008
Q: I am trying to export an illustrator file into CAD. So I choose export as a DWG file and then the ... A: I don't know a ton about CAD, nor do I have any way to troubleshoot it for you, but I do know the ...
saving and deleting AI-files in Vista	4/30/2008
Q: Hey, For a long time i've been having this frustrating problem in windows vista, using illustrator ... A: I use this great little utility called Move on Boot. You basically mark locked files for delete and ...
Illustrator CS2 shift, option keys dont work	4/29/2008
Q: I am using Illustrator CS2 on a Mac and won't let me use shift, option or anything like to scale ... A: It doesn't sound like you're talking about the frequent "oops" of Bounding Boxes being turned off ...
layers	4/29/2008
Q: I have a background and i've dragged another image into my frame how can i blend it with the ... A: Blend an image with a background? I suppose you can change its opacity in the transparency window - ...
Illustrator-->PDF: smallest file size	4/27/2008
Q: Amy, I use Illustrator to make small mathematical figures to put into papers online, the pictures ... A: You should probably be using the "Save for Web" command instead of exporting or Save As. You'll get ...
Adobe illustrator cs3	4/23/2008
Q: My Illustrator will not open on startup i get this message Error Signature AppName: illustrator.exe ... A: Try uninstalling Quicktime. There are a few posts about this at adobe.com and other boards... and ...
Font is there but isn't recognized on startup	3/19/2008
Q: I keep opening up an AI file and each time on startup it doesn't recognize a font that is in my ... A: .. I was just reading some information about troubleshooting Opentype fonts... ...
Illustrator and psd files	3/18/2008
Q: Im using CS1 ilustrator and photoshop. All working fine untill about a month ago. Illustrator wont ... A: My guess is that the imported image is sitting on the bottom layer of your Illustrator document. In ...
Creating a logo in Illustrator10	3/18/2008
Q: Amy, I am trying to create a logo in Illustrator 10. I imported a jpeg and I want to add type in ... A: I'm not sure why you need to export as paths - if you are making a Digimark registered watermark, ...
Font is there but isn't recognized on startup	3/16/2008
Q: I keep opening up an AI file and each time on startup it doesn't recognize a font that is in my ... A: Hmmmmmmmmmm Try rebuilding your font cache files. Quit all Adobe products. Locate all files on ...
Problem opening Illustrator file: unknown error has occurred.	3/14/2008
Q: Hey there, I am using Illustrator CS2, on a PC. I am trying to open an Illustrator file I was ... A: No, you can't edit AI files from versions after 7 because Adobe added code (PDF) that makes them ...
Keyboard shortcuts are gone, changed or not working...	3/13/2008
Q: My keyboard shortcuts are either gone, changed to different one that I have been using since ... A: I can't think of any reason why that might happen because of the time change, but I'm going to have ...
Keyboard shortcuts are gone, changed or not working...	3/13/2008
Q: My keyboard shortcuts are either gone, changed to different one that I have been using since ... A: Are you on a Mac? This is Adobe's answer to the problem for Macs. Solution 2: Select the standard ...
Problem opening Illustrator file: unknown error has occurred.	3/13/2008
Q: Hey there, I am using Illustrator CS2, on a PC. I am trying to open an Illustrator file I was ... A: you tried all the right things. When you placed it, you placed it as embedded (not linked), ...
printing margins	3/12/2008
Q: I wouldn't think this problem would be so hard to fix, but I've sent hours on it. When I print, part ... A: That's pretty easy, here's how: 1 - Make sure you have selected the proper print/paper size and ...
opening error message sc2	3/11/2008
Q: "This file contains text that was created in an previous version of illustrator, the legacy must be ... A: The * is a wildcard to use in the search... the files you will find will look like: adobefnt02.lst ...
opening error message sc2	3/11/2008
Q: "This file contains text that was created in an previous version of illustrator, the legacy must be ... A: In my experience, that message is not always due to a true previous version situation... it's a ...
fonts	3/7/2008
Q: I obtained an OpenType font that is in a foreign language, Thai. On my PC (in Illust), it only ... A: Sorry to tell you that 8.0 didn't support foreign language fonts! I hope you can find a way to work ...
Place spot photoshop into Illustrator	3/5/2008
Q: I noticed you had another question like this: I have a photoshop file I've made into spot colors. ... A: EPS DCS 2.0 is the format you need, you got that right. First, you need to change the image to ...
Illustrator CS showing only Adobe Postscript file option in the printers list	3/5/2008
Q: Since morning all our Macs whether G5 or MacPro having same issue. Whenever we try to print from ... A: Did you do a full preference reset? That is, with Illustrator NOT running, move the entire CS ...
Illustrator CS2 Blend tool	3/5/2008
Q: I have found that creating a blend between two simple line segments does not create a spine. Do you ... A: I love to learn things. What you get out of Illustrator is really a result of what you use it for, ...
Printing, sharpness and transparency	3/4/2008
Q: I hope you can help. I'm new to Illustrator. I've just designed a logo/letterhead for a friend. ... A: Tiger. You're right. When you print to an inket, you are printing a bitmapped preview but inkjets ...
MPS Parser Plugins Missing When Adobe Illustrator Lauch	3/3/2008
Q: when i was updated my illustrator cs3 to 13.0.2, after installation i restarted illustrator and ... A: I would suggest that you throw away your preferences. 1 - Quit Illustrator 2 - Locate the Adobe CS3 ...
problem with opening a file	2/26/2008
Q: last night I made some artwork, I used 4 layers in that file and I palced an image of psd format on ... A: Sorry this is late Mahesh, Allexperts never sent me your message. Unfortunately, this is one of ...
merging outline to fill	2/25/2008
Q: I am using Mac CS2. I am creating vinyl letters with an outline in a different color. But when ... A: Revised answer. Pat - Try this: Expand the fill and stroke as you have in the past. Then use ...
illustrator cs3	2/22/2008
Q: When i create a document n the size I want it to be, I will sometimes reopen the file and it will ... A: A question and a quick suggestion: Q - Do the actual Document dimensions change? This could very ...
illustrator to quark	2/22/2008
Q: I am working on a project in Illustrator CS... text and photography content. Is there a way that I ... A: I thought I answered this question, sorry! It seems I have not. The short of it: No, there is no ...
cheapest method to open and see Adobe Illus files	2/21/2008
Q: In my business I often need to look at Adobe Illustrator files before passing them on to someone ... A: Acrobat Reader versions 7.0 and later can actually open most AI documents created with PDF ...
error loading plugins	2/20/2008
Q: I was using Illustrator CS3 on a computer that I just replaced with my current HP notebook dv9410us ... A: sorry you're still having issues. If you haven't already done so, post the issue on the forums at ...
Images	2/14/2008
Q: I'm working in Illustrator 10 and I have a question on images. How do you take the white background ... A: The only time a white background is an issue is when the data is rater data. Any object that's ...
font problems	2/14/2008
Q: When I open up an eps file in Illustrator CS2, the ≥ character turns into a "?". The font ... A: The only thing I can think of is that the Type Engine support for unicode characters is different in ...
Color Management Profiles	2/12/2008
Q: I'm not exactly sure what happened. But all of a sudden all of my vector images that I create in ... A: .. It actually sounds like you accidentally skipped into Pixel Preview, which is toggled on and off ...
error loading plugins	2/7/2008
Q: I was using Illustrator CS3 on a computer that I just replaced with my current HP notebook dv9410us ... A: From what I've read, it's kind of complicated.... lots of disappointed Vista-based Adobe users... ...
Adobe Illustrator Images	2/6/2008
Q: I am bring images in to illustrator in psd format because I need the transparent backgroun. ... A: First of all, the layer or layers in the PSD doc need to have clear backgrounds. I think yours does. ...
Drop Shadow/Effects merge when Flattening layers	2/5/2008
Q: I have a three layer design: one image layer, and two text layers. I have applied strokes and drop ... A: I think I know what you're doing. Instead of applying the effect by selecting a Layer in the Layers ...
Unknown Error - Not enough RAM	2/1/2008
Q: I am running windows xp, CS3. I have a hard drive dedicated to Adobe for my scratch disk and to ... A: Unknown errors are the most frustrating kind. There are so many different causes and sometimes ...
Unknown Error - Not enough RAM	1/30/2008
Q: I am running windows xp, CS3. I have a hard drive dedicated to Adobe for my scratch disk and to ... A: Do me a favor and see if you can save after converting all fonts to outlines. If you can, I know ...
Adobe Illustrator 2	1/30/2008
Q: I get a message stating "could not started request task" when I open Illustrator the first time when ... A: Hmm, sorry, I can't think of anything else to try! If you choose to attempt to correct this, the ...
Trademark symbol in AICS3	1/29/2008
Q: but I can't figure it out. Can you help? Thanks A: Adobe has made it very easy with CS3. Simply go to Type > Glyphs and you will see all those ...
how can i change a bitmap image colour	1/29/2008
Q: my freind have send me a illustrator file that is ha bitmap image 1 colour red.but i can chage its ... A: I'm afraid I don't understand what you are trying to accomplish. Are you saying that you would like ...
illustrator	1/28/2008
Q: How do I get text to automatically run around a picture please? A: Make sure that: The type is "area type" (text that is typed in a text box that you dragged to define ...
Illustrator: Importing istockphoto vector image into a shape	1/27/2008
Q: I have a rectangle vector image from istockphoto (#3808211)....I want to place it into a circle, ... A: You'll want to make a clipping mask. Copy the circle (Ctrl+C) and paste in front (Ctrl+F). Select ...
"save for web" poor quality	1/25/2008
Q: i have designed logos in illustrator and they look quite clean but when i go to "save for web" the ... A: Try enlarging your artwork by 300-400% in Illustrator, using the scale tool. Then proceed with the ...
Adobe Illustrator 2	1/24/2008
Q: I get a message stating "could not started request task" when I open Illustrator the first time when ... A: .. I recognized the error message, even though you mistyped it. =) When this happens, is Acrobat ...
Adobe Illustrator 2	1/23/2008
Q: I get a message stating "could not started request task" when I open Illustrator the first time when ... A: That's been reported a few times. Try deleting your prefs file. 1 - Quit AI and all Adobe apps 2 - ...
illustrator/ printing large	1/23/2008
Q: , I'm using illustrator 7 ( I know, I'm way behind ) and I'm trying to print a blueprint the size is ... A: The tiling page is actually the size of the paper you have chosen. So you can enter a custom paper ...
Adobe Illustrator CS2 start problem for Mac	1/23/2008
Q: I have been using Adobe Illustrator CS2 for Mac recently on a project. Today when I tried to get ... A: If you are trying to open Illustrator by double clicking on the document you were working on and it ...
Adobe Illustrator CS2 start problem for Mac	1/21/2008
Q: I have been using Adobe Illustrator CS2 for Mac recently on a project. Today when I tried to get ... A: That's a common error with many different causes. Did you happen to notice what the Illustrator ...
Highlighting a line drawing to give illsuion of shape	1/17/2008
Q: I am currently learning to create aircraft colour profile drawings in CS. I want to be able to add a ... A: .. This is a perfect example of artwork you should be using gradient mesh techniques on. Now, I am ...
Need help	1/17/2008
Q: I am getting some problem at the illustrator.Actually till yesterday i used Microsoft 98 program but ... A: when you upgraded your Windows machine, did you make sure that all the fonts were moved to the new ...
Object Fill	1/17/2008
Q: I'm using AI 9 on my PC. I just started with the program today, but cannot figure out how to make ... A: Unfortunately, you cannot fill imported graphics in AI. The fill tool is for filling vector objects ...
illustrator showing unknown errors	1/14/2008
Q: whenever i try to save something on Illustrator i get a message "unknown error has occured". However ... A: Sounds like one of your fonts is corrupt or possibly your font cache is damaged. 1 - Quit AI and ...
Open Illustrator 10 file in Illustrator 9	1/14/2008
Q: I have a client who sent me some files created in AI 10 & CS, but they were suppose to be saved as ... A: If they were really saved as 9 and you can't see the artwork, the possibility exists that the ...
Illustrator CS2 across platforms	1/9/2008
Q: I've been asked to work on a project which was created in Illustrator CS2 on a PC, but I'm working ... A: Yes, people who have to edit docs on two platforms either buy two sets or acquire the original fonts ...
Background Color	1/8/2008
Q: I have been using Gimp to create labels and I just bought CS3. I would like to set a 3.875" x 2.625" ... A: You need to draw a rectangle behind your artwork, maybe the size of the entire page, and fill it ...
command functions not operating	1/8/2008
Q: I have a new iMac and have installed the Adobe Creative Suite and do not have any shortcut command ... A: Don't know if you figured it out yet, but I would start by throwing away your preference files. Quit ...
importing image from photoshop to illustrator	1/6/2008
Q: i'm using cs3 on intel mac. I have multiple raw images that were modified/touched up in photoshop ... A: With the job you're doing, you should use the place command. When I'm doing drafts or little flyers ...
importing image from photoshop to illustrator	1/3/2008
Q: i'm using cs3 on intel mac. I have multiple raw images that were modified/touched up in photoshop ... A: Check the tiffs in PhotoShop. At 100% size (final print size): Photographic images should be CMYK ...
Illustrator 9 problem	1/3/2008
Q: I keep getting the following message when I try to open my file: Can't open illustration. the ... A: Sounds like your file is corrupt. Most often, there's no fix for this. The file is lost. You can ...
Dwg files placement in illustrator CS2	1/1/2008
Q: My question is Simple. I want to import a dwg (AutoCAD file) file into illustrator in original 1:1 ... A: Since I am not an AutoCAD user, perhaps I did not understand the question. My tip would allow you ...
Mac/Illustrator Print Problem	1/1/2008
Q: I have a Mac OS X 10.4.11 with Illustrator 11.0.0. My printer is a Canon S400. I am trying to use ... A: So I think it's safe to assume that your printer driver software is causing the blurriness... if ...
Mac/Illustrator Print Problem	1/1/2008
Q: I have a Mac OS X 10.4.11 with Illustrator 11.0.0. My printer is a Canon S400. I am trying to use ... A: Illustrator isn't really designed to print on an inkjet printer... the best results are achieved on ...
All tools and other windows disappeared	12/30/2007
Q: All my tools and other little windows disappeared in my Illustrator CS. They don't even appear in ... A: Whenever you have disappearing windows or tools, it's time to reset your preferences. To do this, ...
how to turn a multi-shaded bw image into a spot color	12/30/2007
Q: I'm trying to take a bw vector art image with multiple shades of black and turn it into an image ... A: First I want to make sure you know that you can take that file directly to a printer and tell them ...
Problems saving a file	12/27/2007
Q: I'm using Illustrator CS2 with Mac OSX 10.4.10. I hope you can help me with a problem that has had ... A: Nope, you didn't confuse me. And I think you're right - there is a swatch conflict. But there ...
CS 2: scaling problem using transform palette	12/22/2007
Q: If I enter a specific value for H or W, it changes to a close approximation, e.g., if I enter 2 for ... A: I've been searching for anyone else reporting a similar issue, and while I cannot find any reports, ...
error saving image	12/20/2007
Q: i have been working on cs3 master collection illustrator on my PC with XP system.i have placed a jpg ... A: I believe the answer to this "bug" in Illustrator is to reset all preferences. This doesn't work for ...
box around drop shadows	12/18/2007
Q: I have drawn an image with several pieces, one behind the other. When I give one a drop shadow ... A: Before you shoot yourself, why don't you send a copy of the file to me at AmyLynPace@yahoo.com? You ...
box around drop shadows	12/17/2007
Q: I have drawn an image with several pieces, one behind the other. When I give one a drop shadow ... A: Can you make a composite shape that emulates the combined shape of the pieces and apply the drop ...
Saving in Illustrator 9.0	12/16/2007
Q: When I save in Illustrator 9.0 it seems to choose on it's own to save as a PDF file even though ... A: My first suggestion is to re-create your preferences file: 1 - QUIT AI 2 - Locate the file on your ...
unknown error for fonts	12/13/2007
Q: hey amy, i'm using illustrator CS2 on the pc and i have a problem at hand. you see, everytime i ... A: First troubleshooting step is ALWAYS to delete the AIprefs file. 1 - QUIT AI 2 - Locate the file on ...
AI File Saving - Vista	12/13/2007
Q: I saw where you had posted a question about saving ai files in Vista - with Vista not allowing you ... A: I would never pay for help =) So nope, I can't tell you. Ten bucks says they would tell you "Sorry, ...
swatch libraries missing	12/12/2007
Q: Amy ... I've been experiencing a problem with missing swatch libraries in Illustrator 10.0.3 ... I ... A: Did you try re-creating your Adobe preferences file? 1 - Quit AI 2 - Locate the file AIprefs on your ...
AI File Saving - Vista	12/12/2007
Q: I saw where you had posted a question about saving ai files in Vista - with Vista not allowing you ... A: As far as I know, there is no answer other than downgrading to CS3 (not 13.02 upgrade). And that ...
Adobe Illustrator 10	12/12/2007
Q: I am trying to convert type to paths, but when I have the type highlighted, The option under type ... A: To convert type to outlines, select it with the Black Arrow (Select Tool), then choose Type> Create ...
Adobe 9.0 in Win XP	12/11/2007
Q: I have a new (never opened) Adobe 9.0 program that I decided to install on my laptop with WinXP. ... A: I ran 9 in XP (SP2) for a long time. Is the CD autoplaying? If not, you can browse the CD and ...
Dwg files placement in illustrator CS2	12/10/2007
Q: My question is Simple. I want to import a dwg (AutoCAD file) file into illustrator in original 1:1 ... A: I can't think of a way to guarantee proper scaling when placing a dwg file. Any answer I could ...
adobe illustrator widescreen support?	12/10/2007
Q: i am working with Adobe Illustrator CS3 and i ahve a 19 inch widescreen lcd monitor. Because of the ... A: I have a wide screen monitor and have no problems like you describe. I would suggest maybe playing ...
resizing in illustrator	12/6/2007
Q: I have just started to use Illustrator and I have been searching and searching for an answer to ... A: Usually, you want to scale the strokes, too. Even though the strokes will be very small, they will ...
Illustrator CS mask disappears when opened in CS3	12/6/2007
Q: Why do the masks that were originally created in my Illustrator CS file disappear when I open the ... A: Sorry for the delay - I was on vacation but forgot to set my allexperts status to vacation. Anyway, ...
cropping in illustrator cs3	12/5/2007
Q: my crop tool looks as though it is working but the "save to web" totally ignores the crop area and ... A: Hmmm. That's odd. First of all, make sure that in the save to web dialog, under the Image Size ...
Opening files with PC Adobe CS- makes a short-cut only	12/4/2007
Q: I have been having a common issue with Adobe Illustrator CS. When I save a file as an ai or an eps ... A: That might be the key. Quit AI and ALL other Adobe apps including Acrobat. Locate and delete all ...
Illustrator Printing Off-Center	12/4/2007
Q: we cannot get illustrator to print wisiwig. No matter how we place our image on the page, ... A: When you display the page tiling (View>Page Tiling) does it look correct? In CS3, please follow ...
Opening files with PC Adobe CS- makes a short-cut only	12/3/2007
Q: I have been having a common issue with Adobe Illustrator CS. When I save a file as an ai or an eps ... A: Everything I read says that you need to do a reinstall but why don't you try deleting the AIprefs ...
graphic out of background	12/3/2007
Q: The Logo (which is a graphic inside an oval)we use was created years ago before graphics on the ... A: You will have to place the logo into Illustrator, then carefully draw a path around the shape you ...
pdf probelms	12/2/2007
Q: I need to insert adobe illustrator documents into a large word report, and then pdf the whole word ... A: You probably shouldn't be inserting Illustrator graphics as pngs or jpegs, because you are ...
images in illustrator	12/2/2007
Q: people often send me images/logos for newsletters and such, and they are good quality (usually .jpg ... A: I can't think of any reason this would happen other than the images are of poor quality to begin ...
Illustrator 7 incompatibility w/Mac OS X system	12/2/2007
Q: I purchased an iMac and soon discovered my Adobe Illustrator 7.0 and Photoshop 4.0 are not ... A: I don't know of any conversion software that makes the old software function on an iMac, sorry. I ...
Fonts not available in Illustrator 10.0.3 (MAC)	11/3/2007
Q: Amy, I have some fonts (corrrectly) installed in my system which are not available to me in ... A: A few thoughts. 1 - Yes, there is a limit to how many fonts your machine/AI can handle. Depends on ...
EPS Files	11/3/2007
Q: If I want to veiw eps files and do minor projects...like greate a door hanger which illustrator ... A: Well Bob, If you are asking which version of Adobe Illustrator to buy, I'd go with CS3. You'll get ...
Pdf in illustrator	11/2/2007
Q: I'm bringing a pdf that contains architectural plans but when I try to apply color to it, all the ... A: I'm sure the objects are part of compound paths or clipping masks - they usually are in that type of ...
CAD artwork file import to Illustrator	11/2/2007
Q: I have a customer who is needing me to import a Catia V5 3D model (.iges) art file which I will ... A: I couldn't find freeware or shareware that would allow you to read iges files but couldn't the ...
convert	11/2/2007
Q: I have a image that was created with color pencils, I want to print a poster, is there any way to ... A: If you have CS2 or CS3, I think you could be very happy with the Live Trace tool, which can turn ...
Making a transparent eps of a shadow, ai CS2 PC	11/1/2007
Q: I can't figure out how to create a transparent eps of a logo that has a shadow. The logo has a globe ... A: Maggy Love your name, first of all. Secondly, you are correct. Transparency of the shadow, as I ...
Huge file, and bad conversion of gradients in illustrator CS3	11/1/2007
Q: I make 100% vector based posters and always end up with huge Illustrator files (50MB - 80MB can i ... A: Nick, A few suggestions: 1 - Don't outline your text, embed the fonts. Very often, converting text ...
outline text gain weight help!	11/1/2007
Q: Any help regarding this? Am i able to outline the text without gaining any weight? A: If you are experiencing a significant amount of weight gain on press from outlined text, you can run ...
Illustrator CS3 Business Card	10/31/2007
Q: How do I take my designed business card and put it into a template format where I can print off my ... A: I don't know exactly what you mean by template. But perhaps you mean fill a page with cards and ...
Text Outlines in PDF??	10/31/2007
Q: I was wondering something. I usually create my ads in Illustrator and convert them to high-res pdfs. ... A: Most places will tell you embedding the fonts is good enough. Some actually prefer it. I always ...
Vector logo	10/30/2007
Q: In AllExperts' Photoshop section I asked John Afon "I would like to create a vector logo of text ... A: That sounds like a pretty simple logo, except for the transparency effects (Adobe categorizes drop ...
illustrator fonts	10/29/2007
Q: iv installed illustrator cs2 and there aren't any fonts atall to choose from, i'v looked in the ... A: First, try resetting your preferences. Directions: 1. Quit Illustrator. 2. Drag the Adobe ...
illustrator fonts	10/29/2007
Q: iv installed illustrator cs2 and there aren't any fonts atall to choose from, i'v looked in the ... A: Illustrator should be using your system fonts as well as the ones that aren't in the folder you're ...
darken images	10/28/2007
Q: I transfered some adobe art files from a mac to pc. The images are printing out lighter now. My ... A: You should probably work in CMYK, unless you're only printing stuff that will never go to a real ...
Illustrator cs2 problem with halftones/LPI	10/28/2007
Q: I frequently have to print separations for silkscreening (CMYK) on my laser. I print them on a ... A: Okay, This is what I suggest. Yes, report it as a bug. Have you tried sending a dummy text file in ...
darken images	10/27/2007
Q: I transfered some adobe art files from a mac to pc. The images are printing out lighter now. My ... A: It can depend on so many things. Typically you don't want to adjust the image color in Illustrator - ...
Saving illustrator file	10/27/2007
Q: I cannot save my file, it tells me that it cannot save the .pdf version the pop up window states the ... A: That's a strange problem. You've probably already given up on the problem... but if not... Try ...
Transfering files from version CS2 to version CS3	10/27/2007
Q: How would I go about transfering a file made in CS2 to CS3? & is the operation different if it's ... A: You don't have to do a thing in order to open a CS2 file in CS3... Mac or PC. BUT to open a CS3 ...
colour	10/26/2007
Q: i have imported a picture into illustrator and i would like to change the colour without having ... A: Complex image manipulation like you are describing cannot be done in Illustrator. You need to first ...
outlining strokes	10/26/2007
Q: I have CS3 on PC and frequently use strokes around text and line art and am required to merge them ... A: Hmmmm. I don't think I'm quite sure what you mean. Are you talking about spikey corners or joins of ...
illustrator cs on mac - tools palette	10/26/2007
Q: i installed my old adobe creative cs on a new macbook - version 10.4.10 and i'm having issues with ... A: First check and make sure the Plug-Ins folders were installed when you installed Illustrator. I'm ...
Printing	10/25/2007
Q: Quick question. I have a HUGE file, due to my background picture in Illustrator and I was wondering ... A: Save the image as a PDF, adding some compression to the image. I don't know what version you've got, ...
Problems with Links in CS3	10/25/2007
Q: I received an illustrator file that has a link to an EPS file. When I open this in CS3, the linked ... A: When you copied it to the clipboard and pasted it, you may have reduced the resolution... or it's ...
Character tab gone!	10/25/2007
Q: I was working in illustrator 10 when my character tab disappeared. This has not happened before. I ... A: You just need to reset the preferences. 1 - QUIT AI 2 - Locate the "AIprefs" file on your machine ...
Tools not working, possibly due to large file size	10/25/2007
Q: I have been asked to produce the artwork for a pop-up display and am using Illustrator CS2. It is ... A: I would have to agree with you, Joanna. It could very well be the extremely large size of the ...
jpg converted to vector via Illustrator-cant open	10/24/2007
Q: Amy, we have a small ad specialty business and need to submit our artwork in vector format ... A: That's a real tough one. It's not really a conversion of a file - it's actually a tracing. ...
Outline Text Problem	10/24/2007
Q: I was wondering if we can edit the Outline Text for Adobe Illustrator CS3. I have lots of Outline ... A: Unfortunately, you cannot edit outlined text. You cannot turn outline text back into text. That's ...
Editing PSD file in Illustrator 10 (mac)	10/24/2007
Q: When I open a PSD file in Illustrator 10 (mac), the object gets brought in but it's blank? ... A: I did some playing around with this. You're doing everything right. I wonder if it's a similar ...
illustrator cs	10/24/2007
Q: hey amy! sorry 2 bother with another question! u helped so much last time! so here i am again.. ... A: In CS, I think you need to change the size of the artboard (document setup) so that it holds all ...
Printing from Adobe Illustrator	10/23/2007
Q: I am trying to print best quality from Illustrator CS. As there is no option to change the print ... A: There must be conflict between the Epson dialog box and Illustrator. I don't have access to the ...
Illustratr question	10/23/2007
Q: Amy, I am trying to insert an image into a shape I created in Illustrator using anchor points to ... A: The Illustrator term for what you want to do is called making a Clipping Mask. Place the image into ...
Printing from Adobe Illustrator	10/23/2007
Q: I am trying to print best quality from Illustrator CS. As there is no option to change the print ... A: I think the conflict may be a wrestling match about who's rasterizing to your inkjet... AI or the ...
Layout	10/23/2007
Q: How do I print business cards from illustrator? I am using the single template and I want to print ... A: This must be done manually by copying and pasting. You can use Illustator's Move command with the ...
Colors not printing	10/22/2007
Q: I have Illustrator 9 but I am not a qualified user - I'm just trying to add color to an ai file of a ... A: The red parts are probably set to Overprint. Click on one problem red area, and choose Window > ...
printing	10/22/2007
Q: For some reason my custom option in illustrator is gray-and not an option to select. My printer is ... A: I think you are talking about Custom page size, correct? Try throwing away your preferences and ...
colour issues	10/22/2007
Q: When I work in either Illustrator or photoshop at this office, the colours are always washed out ... A: I think the "wash out" is due to your DISPLAY preferences in Acrobat. I seriously think there's a ...
Line weight	10/22/2007
Q: I use Illustrator CS and have a line drawing that I would like to scale without changing the line ... A: Is the line drawing already made up of Adobe Illustrator paths? If it is, select all, then double ...
saving a large file on illustrator	10/21/2007
Q: I am currently making a large file containing 10 A2 images so i can print it off like a banner..when ... A: You need to embed those images (then you don't need to send the images to the printer separately). I ...
Illustrator 10 swatch libraries	10/21/2007
Q: I'm using Illustrator 10 CE on Windows XP. I created a new swatch library in Illustrator CS2, but ... A: I doubt that you'd be able to open a CS2 library in 10. Swatch books were handled differently in 9 ...
illustrator can't access behind tools	10/21/2007
Q: When I click on a tool in the tool bar pallette in Illustrator CS3, it won't allow me to access the ... A: This sounds like a classic preferences reset case. 1 - Quit Illustrator. 2 - Locate the AIprefs ...
Adobe Illustrator Mac to PC	10/20/2007
Q: I've been using Illustrator on my Mac for years. I also use a PC for just about everything else I ... A: I don't know what version you have on your Mac, but it's not a huge issue anyway. You'll be able to ...
Illustrator into PS	10/19/2007
Q: I have a illustrator circle shape brought into a 300dpi PhotoShop work space. I have duped the ... A: As long as you pasted as pixels into a 300dpi image, and didn't enlarge the circle once it was ...
Question on Adobe Illustrator CS2	10/17/2007
Q: I am very new to Adobe Illustrator CS2 (just had a demo this week!) so bear with me. I am using a ... A: The only way to do it is to open each document, select all, copy, switch to the new document, open ...
illustrator cs2 stoped printing images	10/16/2007
Q: recently i cant print any images that i place in my illustrator cs2, i alredy checked with the ... A: That size photo should be no problem. Try embedding the photos instead of linking them. After you ...
illustrator cs2 stoped printing images	10/16/2007
Q: recently i cant print any images that i place in my illustrator cs2, i alredy checked with the ... A: Does the document print and the images just don't show up? Or does the document refuse to print? Can ...
Illustrator CS2 clipping path	10/15/2007
Q: In a single layer file containing a raster image, I create a clipping mask which functions just fine ... A: In short, the clipping path should be working just fine when you export, too. So something's funky. ...
regarding fonts	10/15/2007
Q: Everything works fine except the character window. Somehow the fonts don't come in the character ... A: Adobe builds and uses font cache lists that are stored on your machine. Occasionally, these lists ...
illustrator CS2 stuck in cyrillic text!	10/15/2007
Q: I am using Illustrator CS2 on a PC Windows XP PLatform. I recently changed the settings in Control ... A: Greetings Ian. First try rebuilding the AI prefs files. 1) Quit AI 2) Locate the Adobe Illustrator ...
Illustrator to Photoshop conversion	10/15/2007
Q: I have a layered file that was designed in Illustrator and want to convert it in Photoshop ( CS2 ). ... A: The way I do it when I want to preserve the layers is I print to (or save) a PDF with maximum ...
(R) Symbol	10/14/2007
Q: I am trying to insert this symbol into an HP biz-card printing program by using the ALT 0174 - and ... A: I thought I answered this yesterday but here it is in my inbox, so I'll try to remember what I said. ...
Illustrator CS & 9 "Live Trace" option	10/11/2007
Q: To convert a TIF to editable vector graphic, I would use Live Trace in Illustrator CS. But i want to ... A: No, Live Trace was not available in version 9. If you want to trace something in 9, you need to do ...
illustrator quits	10/7/2007
Q: I am working with Creative Suite 2. My Illustrator tended to quit during copy and paste. I then ... A: Here's the official Mac document on what to do for a Mac: ...
convert cmyk to 2 color	10/7/2007
Q: It's my first time doing a big project entirely in illustrator and the product is a custom map with ... A: No that's okay. In CS3, there's a Edit > Recolor artwork function. I think it was introduced in CS3 ...
AI Shutting down	10/6/2007
Q: AI ME over Mac OS keeps shutting down with no apparent reason and all the unsaved work goes to ... A: First, try fixing the preferences file: 1 - Quit Illustrator. 2 - Drag the Adobe Illustrator ...
Not all fonts show up in Illustrator	10/5/2007
Q: I am on a Mac and installed upwards of 400 fonts (Chinese, Japanese, Korean and English) onto my ... A: A couple of issues may be affecting you. One - Foreign Language font support. Not all foreign ...
Trial Version Illustartor 12 CS3	10/4/2007
Q: I have been trying to get the trial version of CS3 for 4 days now. I am downloading it to my C ... A: Hey Andy. It's in the 80s here in Wisconsin, too. The fall leaves are turning but it's incredibly ...
making a high res file?!	10/3/2007
Q: my boss wants me to somehow make the adobe illustrator cs3 file that i create into "high ... A: Yes, Kate. =) He doesn't really know what he's talking about... or he's not communicating it ...
Illustrator Workspace...	10/2/2007
Q: I am working with CS2 on Windows XP - I open up multiple projects (so I can drag/drop into other ... A: I can't think of what setting that might be... unless it's something in XP. I have XP, though, and I ...
Word versus Adobe Ilustrator CS3	10/2/2007
Q: How do I place an illustrator drawing either AI or eps made in Adobe Illustrator CS3 into word? I ... A: You should be able to save your graphic as an EPS but SAVE IT DOWN TO VERSION 9 EPS with NO OPTIONS ...
Trial Version Illustartor 12 CS3	10/2/2007
Q: I have been trying to get the trial version of CS3 for 4 days now. I am downloading it to my C ... A: WI, US. Have you tried booting up your computer in safe mode? ...
Illustrator 10 vs Illustrator CS2 File sizes	10/2/2007
Q: We had Illustrator 10 and upgraded to CS2 in order to be able to use the multi-page pdf feature. We ... A: Sorry to keep you waiting but this is a tough one. I recently read a post from someone at the adobe ...
Illustrator wont save or print a PDf	10/1/2007
Q: I have created a card and it will save the first time. When I try to save it any time after it says ... A: Update: Tessa, just after I answered your question, I saw this post in the google groups that you ...
Illustrator CS3 memory issues	10/1/2007
Q: Any suggestions for getting CS3 (or CS2)to open a file that contains a large(400mb) linked cmyk ... A: Try something like this: Make a copy of the linked tiff file. Open (in PhotoShop) the copy of the ...
Trial Version Illustartor 12 CS3	10/1/2007
Q: I have been trying to get the trial version of CS3 for 4 days now. I am downloading it to my C ... A: It seems to me that I read a problem like this on the Adobe forums but the search feature at ...
(R) trademark in Adobe	9/28/2007
Q: I am using a PC. I need to be able to insert the (R) registered trademark symbol at 2 different ... A: Simply use the alt+key combinations that work in all applications. Place your cursor where you need ...
Transparent tiffs again	9/28/2007
Q: Amy, I can see what you mean but what I didn't say was that the tiff is a very large map of an urban ... A: Ah... what a pain. I know exactly what you mean - Quark can do it, too. And I use Quark for my my ...
Scaling not working correctly (shit + click)	9/28/2007
Q: I'm on a Mac using Illustrator CS2. Whenever I try to rescale an object proportionally using the ... A: The exact same thing happened to me one day and I could not figure it out. So I used the scale tool ...
printing/creating high quality..	9/27/2007
Q: so i have made some labels for one of my graphic design classes.. i have to hand in 72dpi online to ... A: Okay Jill, Open the file in Illustrator and use the File > Export to generate your Jpegs. For the ...
ill cs3 offset paths	9/26/2007
Q: Is there a way to stop the offset paths tool from selecting the same size object along with the ... A: Well, there's no way to create them and have them be separate shapes or separate groups, you're ...
Transparent tiffs	9/26/2007
Q: I have made a greyscale tiff in Photoshop CS3 and when imported into Illustrator CS3 I have black ... A: You need to work with the object in PhotoShop to create a clipping mask. In PhotoShop, open image ...
Illustrator cs2 crashing	9/25/2007
Q: hope you're well. i've recently transferred my software from laptop to a new desktop running windows ... A: Try a couple things: 1) Quit Illustrator then use the Windows search function to locate the file ...
Vers 8.0 and XP	9/25/2007
Q: Can you help? I'd like to get 8.0, but am wondering if it will work okay on my XP Home system. (I ... A: What is it that you plan to do with Illustrator / why does the switch to PDF PS compatibility worry ...
Vers 8.0 and XP	9/24/2007
Q: Can you help? I'd like to get 8.0, but am wondering if it will work okay on my XP Home system. (I ... A: I can tell you that I have run version 9 on my Windows2000 then my XP machine with absolutely no ...
repairing images in illustrator	9/21/2007
Q: I'm using illustrator CS running OSX 10.3.9 and I am having the following problem. I created a ... A: Can you re-place them manually? If you can open the document at all... Using Direct Select tool ...
File conversion causing print errors	9/20/2007
Q: I am attempting to print a file created in Illustrator and then placed into Photoshop, however when ... A: It sounds like a printer issue to me. It's not handling the document's content properly... it's ...
Disk Error in Illustrator 9	9/19/2007
Q: I work in Illustrator 9 and lately I've had a problem opening some of the files. An error comes up: ... A: The only things I can find about your type of error is that it is Windows-related and most people ...
Adobe Illustrator 9.0 text in circle	9/19/2007
Q: I need to place text in a circle as part of a logo. I can get it running around top outside edge of ... A: Hey George - You're almost there! Get the text to the bottom of the circle like you're doing, ...
patterns	9/19/2007
Q: I need to know how to create complicated patterns. I have so many ideas but I can't seem to get them ... A: The designer at Northlite designs explains it better than I ever could... why reinvent the wheel, I ...
Disk Error in Illustrator 9	9/18/2007
Q: I work in Illustrator 9 and lately I've had a problem opening some of the files. An error comes up: ... A: Before you tried re-installing Illustrator, did you try deleting the AIprefs file? If not, give that ...
Color problem when saving as PDF	9/17/2007
Q: When I save my Illustrator document as a PDF file, the image looks very washed out (the blacks are ... A: Felipe I have a suspicion that the problem is not Illustrator but instead it is that you are ...
Unknown Error when saving	9/4/2007
Q: In response to a previous question about getting "Unknown error" when trying to save files in ... A: Since CS3 is relatively new, there are a lot of people contributing bugs and bug fixes on the Adobe ...
importing a transparent image from PS to illustrator	9/3/2007
Q: I've a slight problem.. I find it difficult to insert a logo into an .EPS document without the white ... A: I thought I answered your follow up but it seems that I haven't. Weird. Anyway, Tolerance setting ...
importing a transparent image from PS to illustrator	9/2/2007
Q: I've a slight problem.. I find it difficult to insert a logo into an .EPS document without the white ... A: Sure, it can be done. And the answer uses paths, which you'll be able to do using 7 and CS. It ...
Adobe Illustrator 9	9/1/2007
Q: I have been trying to find a solution to this problem for some time; and my question is: How does ... A: Just keep in mind that you'll want to set your raster effect settings at a nice high number, like ...
Adobe Illustrator 9	8/31/2007
Q: I have been trying to find a solution to this problem for some time; and my question is: How does ... A: I struggled with figuring out the "rule of thumb" about what's available in what mode and on what ...
Editable Illustrator Document	8/19/2007
Q: I'm designing Letterhead, Invoices & other documents for my friend's new freelance business. The ... A: I recommend chopping the forms up into graphic components, saving those components as tiffs and ...
saving files in Illustrator CS	8/17/2007
Q: I use Illustrator CS on Windows Vista and every time I want to save a file it tells me "The file is ... A: As you probably know, Adobe doesn't recommend installing CS versions of Illustrator on PCs running ...
Using parts of an image in Illustrator CS2	8/17/2007
Q: This is a fairly basic question, but I haven't really been able to find the answer. I have two ... A: To use parts of a vector image, simply select what you need with the white arrow tool or the white ...
corrupt .ai file	8/16/2007
Q: I have a 197 KB Illustrator text file. I used point text as opposed to a text box. I was using ... A: It was probably corrupted by the brain waves of faith that you emitted when you saved the one copy ...
Illustrator quits everytime I copy and paste an image into a new document.	8/15/2007
Q: I have done everything short of re-installing adobe illustrator, mainly because, I can't find the ... A: Sara - Are you on a Mac, I'm guessing? It's been called an Apple-side bug. To fix this issue, ...
Pantone color tables	8/15/2007
Q: I'm using Illustrator CS2 on a PC, and I'm trying to match some color samples of flooring with a ... A: I had to think about this one. So a couple of ways you could try. Display the Pantone library on ...
Saveing problem	8/15/2007
Q: I've got a problem with saving .pdf and .ai files, there pops-up an error, which says "An unknown ... A: You are on the right track, I think. Sure sounds like a font corruption issue. Quit all adobe ...
Bullets in Illustrator CS3	8/15/2007
Q: I've inserted bullets by using Glyphs-Wingdings but when I hit the space bar after it, it indents ... A: The reason the space looks like two letter spaces is because the font size of the glyphs is probably ...
Printing Illustrator created logo	8/13/2007
Q: I am trying to print my logo I designed in Illustrator, but the color does not come out of the ... A: Sorry this answer is so late. When you are printing to a desktop printer of any kind (inkjet, laser ...
Filters vs effects and other	8/13/2007
Q: FirstJust i want to Know what's different between effects and filters, which petter (technical ... A: Applying an effect is like putting a costume on an object. The object remains unchanged "underneath" ...
saving files	8/11/2007
Q: I am making business cards for myself and my husband. How should I save a file to not lose the ... A: Are you uploading a file to an online printing facility? Could you please point me to their ...
saving files	8/11/2007
Q: I am making business cards for myself and my husband. How should I save a file to not lose the ... A: Addition to this answer: Double click on the Crop Area tool and you will see a field for pixel ...
adobie software	8/11/2007
Q: I'm wanting to learn how to create logos for my customers and do text for copy. I have a advertising ... A: You'd probably be able to get started with buying a copy of Adobe Illustrator CS3, which can ...
saving files	8/11/2007
Q: I am making business cards for myself and my husband. How should I save a file to not lose the ... A: Great, I have CS3, too. Save As PDF Name it Something New and Click SAVE General Category X ...
saving files	8/10/2007
Q: I am making business cards for myself and my husband. How should I save a file to not lose the ... A: I'd save the file as a PDF with some image compression and embedded fonts (so the file can be ...
Tranfering files	8/10/2007
Q: I did some work at home on Illustrator CS2--however at work they only have Illustrator 10. When i ... A: You can save down to Legacy format AI 10 from CS2 (Save as AI, then choose the version in the Save ...
Indicating Knockout for Press	8/9/2007
Q: How do I indicate knockout shapes/text for Press output, or specifically for my current project to ... A: Yes, in the normal press world, coloring objects 0%K in CMYK mode will make them knockout to nothing ...
Fractions	8/8/2007
Q: I need to convert tables of numbers with fractions that have been imported into Illustrator from ... A: Sounds like an old Amy problem. What I mean is that I used to work designing journal articles for ...
Screen Printing	8/8/2007
Q: I am a recent grad of a community college graphic design program. We went over basics of the all ... A: It should be easy for you to pick up enough skills to create spot color artwork. Since I rarely do ...
the print marks	8/7/2007
Q: I'm using Illustrator CS2 on my PC. I notice after I sent my artwork to the printer, they always add ... A: That's a registration mark - used to physically line up the different colored plates of a print job. ...
adobe colours	8/7/2007
Q: I'm only a beginner with adobe illustrator and i am doing a design project for my year 12 HSC ... A: You can create art for print and for web using Illustrator. When you design for web, you are using ...
Illustrator print problem	8/6/2007
Q: I have illustrator cs2 on my new imac - i have an hp 6980 printer too. when i send any illustrator ... A: Sorry my guesses didn't hit the mark. I looked up your issue on Adobe.com user forums. It is a real ...
illustrator v11 PC and v12 MAC	8/6/2007
Q: My designer sent me a file in illustrator v12 from her MAC. I have v11 on the PC. When I highlight ... A: Hmmm. Well, I don't think you'd have the problem. But if you ever had to save the file and send it ...
Illustrator print problem	8/5/2007
Q: I have illustrator cs2 on my new imac - i have an hp 6980 printer too. when i send any illustrator ... A: Assuming the artboard is letter size/portrait orientation, make sure the Print Setup defines a ...
illustrator v11 PC and v12 MAC	8/4/2007
Q: My designer sent me a file in illustrator v12 from her MAC. I have v11 on the PC. When I highlight ... A: Supposedly, it's the "saving down" to version CS that causes it, and not the platform difference. ...
delete background from photo	8/3/2007
Q: I'm new to Illustrator and need to cut an object out of the background of a photo. I know in ... A: The best way I know still uses PhotoShop and clipping masks. Using the magic wand or lasso tools ...
Loosing detail when import photshop file into illustrator	8/3/2007
Q: I have created a swoosh shape with innerglows, bevels, inner shadows etc to give the effect of water ... A: Look at your effects at 100% zoom and you may see that they are not exactly as powerful as you ...
Creating a Multiple page file	8/2/2007
Q: I have CS3 on a PC. I read your answer on creating a multiple file in AI. Would I go through the ... A: Definitely use InDesign. That is a simple InDesign page layout. I'm not a big user of InDesign, ...
Seperation Setup	8/2/2007
Q: How do you turn on to use separation setup? When we create a new document it is not highlighted to ... A: You can double click on the page tool (double click FAST) and it should zero out automatically. It ...
Seperation Setup	8/1/2007
Q: How do you turn on to use separation setup? When we create a new document it is not highlighted to ... A: In order to use separation set-up to print CMYK or spot color seps, you need to have a postscript ...
Grey Box CS2	8/1/2007
Q: There is a gray box around art I am receiving from a customer who is using Adobe Ill. CS2. I have ... A: I'd need to see what that gray box looks like but I am going to guess that she uses some sort of ...
Huge File when saved as PDF	7/31/2007
Q: I have illustrator CS. I have a file i received from a free lance artist. It is a ai file and is ... A: That's large. The first thing that comes to mind is that the artist has used some embedded images ...
Adobe Illustrator cs2 and cs3	7/31/2007
Q: I work in a pre-press department of a print shop and we are always receiving files that are built in ... A: You could turn your black generation to maximum in Edit > Color Settings > Working Spaces CMYK > ...
Edit pdf file with indesign	7/30/2007
Q: I have a pdf file that I want to edit. It is made up of images and text. The only page in colour is ... A: I'm not a big InDesign user so I can't tell you for certain that you can't use it, but I'd open it ...
CS3 error	7/27/2007
Q: I know you answered this before, but the solution didn't work. Every time we go to save an .ai ... A: Since CS3 is so new, I'm going to suggest that you go to the User Forums at Adobe.com and look for ...
Stroking part of a path	7/25/2007
Q: Is there any way to just stroke a small part of a path, and not the whole path? Or is there any way ... A: Yes! Use the scissor tool to slice the segment twice - once where you want the stroke difference to ...
embedding pictures	7/25/2007
Q: I'm designing some business cards for a special promotion we're doing here, and whenever I sent them ... A: That's do-able. Copy the image from Illustrator to your clipboard (Ctrl+C), Switch over to ...
Adobe Illustrator	7/25/2007
Q: I would like to print a 5000 documents that are the same, but I would like to use a different serial ... A: Update: Hi again - I just tried to do what I told you to do. I changed my mind. I guess I'd do a ...
The file is damaged and could no be repaired	7/24/2007
Q: I have Illustrator CS2 on PC. This message show on my screen about a file very important for me and ... A: The file is most likely corrupt. You could try: 1 - Create a new Illustrator document. 2 - Choose ...
rgb vs cmyk	7/19/2007
Q: Im using a mac and illustrator cs. I have produced a web logo for a company workin in RGB mode, ... A: Hmmm, grayed out? That's strange. Sounds like you need to delete your preferences file. Quit AI, ...
Saving Illustrator files as jpeg for word on a mac	7/19/2007
Q: I have a cover page for a client in Illustrator CS2. I want to make a jpeg to go into a Word ... A: The big black box might be Word's fault, so let's make the Save for Web work for you! In ...
rgb vs cmyk	7/19/2007
Q: Im using a mac and illustrator cs. I have produced a web logo for a company workin in RGB mode, ... A: What are you exporting to? There's a huge difference between CMYK and RGB as you found out. When ...
Problems with spell check (and other plug ins)	7/17/2007
Q: I saw your answers on locating the SpellCheckDictionary file. Mine was in the right place, but only ... A: We never did solve that other person's dictionary issue. Can you tell me what version of ...
Illustrator 9 wont save	7/13/2007
Q: I hope you can solve a very frustrating problem Im having. I am operating on a G4 OSX and OS9.2 and ... A: ============= add'l info I see you posted on the Forums. I'll watch it too but I think that if it ...
Response to Clipping Mask Answer	7/12/2007
Q: I am saving the file in Illustrator CS as a pdf file. The printer does not have Illustrator, but ... A: I believe you are correct - CS3 and possibly CS2 might have better capabilities for saving PDF ...
Illustrator CS and printing a clipping mask	7/12/2007
Q: Help! I have designed a brochure in Illustrator CS and have used a clipping masks. I have set the ... A: Are you SAVING as a PDF file or Printing to Adobe PDF? There are settings when printing to Adobe ...
Illustrator 9 wont save	7/11/2007
Q: I hope you can solve a very frustrating problem Im having. I am operating on a G4 OSX and OS9.2 and ... A: John. I had a thought. Make sure your plug-ins folder is correctly targeted. Do this in ...
Illustrator 9 wont save	7/11/2007
Q: I hope you can solve a very frustrating problem Im having. I am operating on a G4 OSX and OS9.2 and ... A: Is save "grayed out"? I've never had that problem either. Let me research that. With v9 you only ...
Illustrator 9 wont save	7/10/2007
Q: I hope you can solve a very frustrating problem Im having. I am operating on a G4 OSX and OS9.2 and ... A: What error message(s) are you receiving? Are you starting Illustrator by double clicking on its ...
Saving my art	7/8/2007
Q: I am completely new to this. I am trying to create a jewel case cd layout from a template I ... A: Yikes. Okay. I guess it's time for you to learn the basic steps to follow whenever Illustrator ...
PDF -> Illustrator, file save problem	7/6/2007
Q: To start with, thanks for your time in just reading this. I organize a convention every year and ... A: That's bizarre. I'm hoping that the Acrobat and PhotoShop "views" aren't just giving you the last ...
cutting out complex picture	7/6/2007
Q: I'm trying to cut out a complex picture (berries with leaves) in photoshop and bring it into ... A: If this document will ultimately go to print, you need to create a clipping path (mask) around the ...
Can't View My Text!	7/6/2007
Q: I am completely new to this. I am trying to create a jewel case cd layout from a template I ... A: A few possibilites. 1 - You're typing in a text box that's too small for the text being displayed. ...
length of a path	7/5/2007
Q: I want to measure the length of a eclipse shape. Will you please show me how to use illustrator to ... A: There is no way to find the exact circumference/perimeter of an ellipse. Not in Illustrator... not ...
length of a path	7/5/2007
Q: I want to measure the length of a eclipse shape. Will you please show me how to use illustrator to ... A: I don't know what version of AI you're using and it's different in different versions. There's a ...
Using .eps clipart in Illustrator	7/5/2007
Q: I am new to Illustrator and am working through Classroom in a Book, but I can't find an answer to my ... A: Black and white graphics could be raster or vector. Line art is even more resolution dependent. 800 ...
Using .eps clipart in Illustrator	7/5/2007
Q: I am new to Illustrator and am working through Classroom in a Book, but I can't find an answer to my ... A: Remember, the enlargement limitations apply only to raster images. Here's a short paragraph by ...
Using .eps clipart in Illustrator	7/4/2007
Q: I am new to Illustrator and am working through Classroom in a Book, but I can't find an answer to my ... A: If it's a EPS raster file (photographic), you should be able to place it into Illustrator (File > ...
Quark - EPS - PDF - AI	7/4/2007
Q: I recieved a file created with Quark. This file was also sent as PDF and EPS. I can view the artwork ... A: That's about all you can do if you don't have Quark. Can you open the EPS file in Illustrator? ...
illustrator cs2 file opening error	7/3/2007
Q: I saved a file last night and now when I come to open it I get the erroro message; "the illustration ... A: There isn't a whole lot you can do. The file has become corrupt. It happens. It shouldn't happen as ...
Printing	7/2/2007
Q: I have a G3 ibook running 10.3.9. My Canon printers will not print properly when I am printing an ... A: Sounds like a printer driver setting issue if it's happening in both programs. Go into your printer ...
adobe illustrator trial download	7/2/2007
Q: I downloaded the adobe illustrator cs3 and no desktop icon appeared on my screen nor did it come up ... A: First you have to locate the file that downloaded from Adobe... it will be an archive file... ...
Illustrator files into Indesign	7/1/2007
Q: Platform: PC Illustrator Version: CS2 Indesign Version: CS2 Final Output: for Press Printer I have ... A: Here are my thoughts... a) printers prefer that you don't use jpegs. I would re-save and re-place ...
How to insert text with different programs	7/1/2007
Q: How do I save my work so other people can add text from their computers? A: Well, you have a couple options. You can save the flyer, without the text she wants to add, as a ...
Illustrator 9 extension problem	6/8/2007
Q: I have been using a G3 tower with AI 9 for a little while and all of a sudden I couldn't open up the ... A: I'd move everything back to where it was. Then I'd locate and delete the AIprefs file. Then I'd make ...
CS3	6/5/2007
Q: I'm having a problem with trying to use elements of previous art created in CS2, and reducing the ... A: You probably experienced it but maybe never realized it. The way it works in CS2 (and I assume CS3) ...
Exporting Illustrator to pdf...	6/1/2007
Q: I create Crochet patterns in Adobe Illustrator 8. I use text, photos and my own artwork. I can't ... A: Assuming the clarity of the photos is good when you place them in Illustrator (between 200-300dpi at ...
Printing	5/31/2007
Q: I have designed my business card but I would like to print it on 8.5 x 11 card stock, 10 to a sheet. ... A: My answer is of the manual kind. Create a 3.5" x 2" rectangle around the card with no fill and a ...
Cannot view linked images	5/30/2007
Q: I have been given an Illustrator eps file to update. I am working in Illustrator CS2 on PC. In the ... A: Try two things: Go Preferences > File Handling and Clipboard and see if changing or toggling the ...
Illustrator 10 Swatch Libraries	5/30/2007
Q: I am using Illustrator 10 mac OS X. When i go to (window-swatch libraries), I don't get the drop ... A: the only other thing I can think of is.... reinstalling. Why wouldn't it see the Swatch libraries ...
Illustrator 10 Swatch Libraries	5/30/2007
Q: I am using Illustrator 10 mac OS X. When i go to (window-swatch libraries), I don't get the drop ... A: Hmmm... You can open the library files directly (like you would any other Illustrator file) and the ...
Fitting a border to a page	5/30/2007
Q: I have created a border with artwork that I have purchased and need to find a way to fit in into the ... A: Sorry for the delay. Yes, CS2 has a "Fit to Page" option that's available after you Choose ...
Illustrator 10 Swatch Libraries	5/29/2007
Q: I am using Illustrator 10 mac OS X. When i go to (window-swatch libraries), I don't get the drop ... A: First make sure that you have the libraries installed in the correct folder. C:\Program ...
Re-centering radial gradient fill	5/28/2007
Q: R A: Select the object you want to fill. Select the Gradient Fill Tool. Click in the center of the ...
uniform gradient over multiple objects	5/28/2007
Q: I'm designing a logo that consists of one geometric shape on top and some letters on bottom. When I ... A: I believe you have to select all the letters and shape and create a compound path. (I think that's ...
Gradient Tool	5/26/2007
Q: I am trying to make a collage of photographs. I want to use the gradient tool to blend the edges of ... A: I see you asked this question in the Adobe Illustrator category, where I am registered as an expert. ...
Customized column graph design	5/25/2007
Q: I am trying to use a customized column graph design in Illustrator CS2 in a PC. I can use the ... A: Without being able to access my copy of CS2 (work), I'm going to guess that you need to use an ...
grayscale turns to cmyk	5/25/2007
Q: I just sent some ads to a newspaper and they got back to me and told me that my eps files were set ... A: And sometimes, newspapers are wrong! =) I send lots of files to papers, too. They are not always ...
compound paths not showing up to print.	5/24/2007
Q: I'm working with a document that has text set as compound paths and paths. When I go to print it ... A: What I would do... probably... is break down that group... ungroup, release those compound paths ...
Persistent setting	5/23/2007
Q: This is a question for Adobe 8 (8.1) on a PC. New enthusiastic user. I can't seem to set or find ... A: .. I believe the persistent setting is only valid for Swatch libraries like the Pantone or Toyo ...
illustrator measuring tool	5/22/2007
Q: I am learning Illustrator and cannot find the measuring tool anywhere! Please let me know if it is ... A: Yes, it is hidden under another tool. Most likely you will find it under the page tool or hand tool ...
Enormous size Illustrator file?! how come?	5/18/2007
Q: I'm doing 3 presentation board, each 100 x 70 cm and set up one Illustrator file with 3 layers. It's ... A: Wow. That's big! You are the 5th person in 2 days to write about huge files. I don't think you did ...
File Sizes	5/18/2007
Q: Why are AI file sizes so big? An example: I'm working on a very simple vector file, a logo with no ... A: They are, they are. But there's an Action in the Actions Palette called something like Cleanup ...
Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop CS2 (MAC)	5/17/2007
Q: I am working in CS2 and in previous versions I could double click on a placed photoshop image and ... A: I have to research that one a little to see if they axed that feature. I'm on a PC - maybe the other ...
saving files with large graphics	5/17/2007
Q: I am placing external graphics (photos) in illustator CS file as linked image, but they still take ... A: I would talk to the printer about accepting PDF files. Illustrator files are just plain HUGE. Many ...
scaling outlined objects	5/17/2007
Q: I find when creating a graphic with text that has an outline, (ie. a logo), once grouped together to ... A: You can control the scaling of the stroke if you use the scale tool to do your scaling. Select the ...
Symbols missing in PDF version	5/16/2007
Q: I am creating a map in Adobe Illustrator CS2.3 (Windows) and have created a couple of custom symbols ... A: Why don't you "select all" and try an Object > Expand. Then save the file as a PDF or print to a ...
I cant open my Illustrator file	5/14/2007
Q: When i open it, it show : Can't open the illustration. The illustration ended unexpectedly. ... A: Unfortunately, you are probably working with a corrupt file. You can try to open a new blank ...
saving as an eps file with dimensions as in document setup	5/8/2007
Q: i have an ai file in cs2. i would like to save it as eps. some bits stick outside the document area ... A: Try this. Make sure you are working on your topmost layer if you work with layers. Use the ...
problems with re-installation of illustrator 10	5/8/2007
Q: i needed to free up some space on my c drive so i de-installed illustrator 10 then re-installed it ... A: The AIprefs file is a file on your machine. With your setup, I don't know what the path would be, so ...
problems with re-installation of illustrator 10	5/7/2007
Q: i needed to free up some space on my c drive so i de-installed illustrator 10 then re-installed it ... A: Go into Preferences, Plug-Ins and Scratch Disks and "re-target" the proper Plug-Ins folder by ...
printing seperations with Illustrator CS	4/28/2007
Q: I read your answer to a previous question of this sort and I downloaded the PostScript Driver from ... A: You aren't going to be able to print the separations unless you actually have a postscript printer. ...
Logo embedding in Illustrator	4/24/2007
Q: I have Illustrator CS2 V12.0.0 and have created a logo. I need to save this logo in eps Illustrator ... A: I think your best option is to choose the fonts in question and Create Outlines from them. The ...
Coreldraw to Illustrator	4/20/2007
Q: I have about a thousand files to transfer from corel to illustrator and I dont know how to make a ... A: Well, I don't know anyone who uses Corel, actually. I wonder if you could find an answer in the ...
Coreldraw to Illustrator	4/19/2007
Q: I have about a thousand files to transfer from corel to illustrator and I dont know how to make a ... A: When you run a batch command on a folder full of files, you start the batch, then walk away and it ...
Illustrator 9.0 Auto Trace embedded image	4/19/2007
Q: Needing a bit of help using the "Auto Trace" tool in Illustrator 9.0. I have an embedded CMYK image ... A: The autotrace tool in 9 is not that wonderful. It rarely does what you need it to do. If the shape ...
Not enough memory to place an object	4/19/2007
Q: I was running AI CS(11) on Windows XP Pro when my machine crashed due to software failure. i ... A: Yes Matt, deleting AIprefs is a good first step. C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Application ...
embedding font	4/18/2007
Q: I'm trying to embed font into an illustrator document, and I cannot figure out how. This may be a ... A: I don't know what version of AI you have. In 9 and 10, it's simply an option you'll see after you ...
Coreldraw to Illustrator	4/18/2007
Q: I have about a thousand files to transfer from corel to illustrator and I dont know how to make a ... A: If you can open the Corel files with Illustrator, you can create an Action that saves them as AI ...
Error Message	4/17/2007
Q: I receive the following message when I am loading my AI 10 file, "Can't open the illustration. The ... A: Sounds to me like the file is corrupt, unfortunately. It might be that a font in the document is ...
multi colured line	4/17/2007
Q: I need to draw a line with the pen tool which vary between staight and curved lines. I also have a ... A: I think the best way to do that would be on PhotoShop. Open tiff in PhotoShop. Using the Pen tool, ...
Illustrator RAM Unavailable	4/16/2007
Q: I am given a 'the operation cannot complete because there isn't enough memory (RAM) available' ... A: There are more than a few things this could be: 1 - Privileges problem; people report this problem ...
toolbox disappeared	4/15/2007
Q: im using cs if that makes any difference the toolbox has completely disappeared and i dont know how ... A: Well, usually resetting the preferences fixes many problems, so let's make sure you did that ...
Simple Question	4/11/2007
Q: I need to change a bitmap photo to a vector image? How do I do that? I have CS2 version. Thanks A: You'll want to use the Live Trace feature of Illustrator. You might want to check out a tutorial on ...
Outlines & embedded fonts	4/10/2007
Q: I have two questions: I was wondering if text loses quality and sharpness when you convert it to ... A: Well, oulined text will gain a little weight during the printing process. Sometimes this isn't a bad ...
spell check	4/10/2007
Q: my spell check in Illustraotr cs2 is not functioning. Do you know what the name of the dictionary ... A: It's called SpellCheckDictionary.aip and it should be here: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator ...
bullets	4/5/2007
Q: I want to create bullets in illustrator - yes I can use wingdings, symbols etc and do them myself, ... A: There's no automatic bullet feature that I know of. I just ALT-0149 my bullets (PC). If you have ...
CROPPING	4/4/2007
Q: HOW DO I CROP A PART OF AN OBJECT AFTER I HAVE MADE A CLIPPING MASK WITH IT? I HAVE ILLUSTRATOR CS2 ... A: Well, that's partially true. If you have a bunch of placed files in an Illustrator file, you are ...
Pantone colors in Illustrator	4/4/2007
Q: I have this book with pantone color codes but I can't seem to find the right pantone pallet on ... A: That is the Pantone Process color library. If you don't have them, you can download that at ...
CROPPING	4/4/2007
Q: HOW DO I CROP A PART OF AN OBJECT AFTER I HAVE MADE A CLIPPING MASK WITH IT? I HAVE ILLUSTRATOR CS2 ... A: You can't crop raster images that you've placed in Illustrator. You'd have to do that before placing ...
Adobe Acrobat Pro	4/4/2007
Q: to make interactive PDF presentation(bookmarks, hyperlinks, full-screen mode): is the Adobe Acrobat ... A: Yes, you need an application to actually create the layout and content of the PDF document. ...
Dropped objects when exporting as JPG	4/3/2007
Q: I have Illustrator CS2 v12.0.1 and periodically when I export a saved file (EPS or AI) as JPG it ... A: My first thought is that the object is set to overprint. That exact thing happened to me recently. ...
WHAT?!?!	3/29/2007
Q: Illustrator keeps coming up with some error everytime I click the mouse. It says, "The operation ... A: Whenever you receive strange errors like that, try tossing the preferences file. 1 - Quit ...
Weird problem saving .ai files in CS2	3/29/2007
Q: I'm running Illustrator CS2 (v12.0.0) on Windows XP, and I'm having a bizarre and persistent problem ... A: That is strange. Yes, you tried everything that would most likely be suggested. I'm sure you ...
Smoothing Lines in a Scanned Image	3/28/2007
Q: I'm relatively new to Adobe Illustrator and am learning on version 9. Mymy graphic designer is ... A: Unfortunately with version 9, you're kind of stuck with the Simplify Path command OR deleting anchor ...
Trapping	3/28/2007
Q: I work in the Automotive Industry, and we send our files to the local paper to print to advertise ... A: Unfortunately, web presses are still sometimes unreliable. My company does a sort of expensive ...
Multi-up	3/27/2007
Q: if you have a 3.5 w and 2 h page setup. how do you make them ten up in illustrator, A: You have to do it manually - paste the artwork 10 times on a letter size artboard (change your page ...
Fuzzy Graphic	3/27/2007
Q: I just drew a map for my daughter's wedding in Illustrator 9.0 and saved it as an eps. When I ... A: I have to ask what you are printing these on? If it's an inkjet printer, you are better off ...
can't open a file	3/26/2007
Q: .. i'm using illustrator 9 on a pc and i have a common-as it seems problem with my last 5-6 files ... A: I think your settings are fine. This implementation limit probably has something to do with ...
Plastic Wrap	3/25/2007
Q: is there a way to get rid of the dark circle that automatically appears in the middle of my ... A: What does the image look like? The plastic wrap filter does cast a ton of shadows upon the subject ...
Removing Background Image	3/24/2007
Q: I have pointed some locations and taken an image using google earth.I need to remove the background ... A: \ That's something that would best be done in PhotoShop or other painting program, I think. I'm ...
ILLUSTRATOR CS2	3/22/2007
Q: I am trying to print to a Canon Color copier (ir3220) but only get black & white printouts. I did ... A: Ooh, yes, we graphic designers are very needy people! And our stuff always breaks when we need it ...
ILLUSTRATOR CS2	3/22/2007
Q: I am trying to print to a Canon Color copier (ir3220) but only get black & white printouts. I did ... A: Sure, you can use the Adobe Acrobat or Distiller PPDs or the Generic Color PPD that comes with ...
Creating multiple page file	3/20/2007
Q: I am new to this program and I am trying to create a book with page numbers, and multiple pages in ... A: I think you'd prefer to work with Tile Full Pages. When you select that option, it shows you the ...
Creating multiple page file	3/20/2007
Q: I am new to this program and I am trying to create a book with page numbers, and multiple pages in ... A: If you're making a small book, Illustrator is a fine tool to use. I use it all the time. If you are ...
Editing a logo created in Adobe Acrobat Professional (I think)	3/20/2007