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balou
09-21-2006, 11:06 PM
I'm feeling stupid right now. I downloaded a vector ai file from istockphoto. I want to add a stroke to the shape. When I try, it won't let me - I click on the shape, stroke and color palate but nothing happens. Is there a way to lock this? Arrgh!
urstwile
09-21-2006, 11:11 PM
Is it possible that the object or the layer is locked? When you select the object, do you see anchor points? If not, that would indicate that either the layer or the object is locked, if it's not the layer, Command 2 will unlock everything.
balou
09-21-2006, 11:17 PM
The layer is not locked. I do see the anchor points. And the object is not locked.
I've tried copying the shape and pasting into a new document. No go.
Is wierd! I can redraw it easily enough but I don't like losing. ;)
urstwile
09-21-2006, 11:19 PM
I hear ya sister. Can you post a screenshot of the file? Maybe that would give me an idea.
rickself
09-21-2006, 11:21 PM
Sometimes they put that stuff on a Guide layer. Try unlocking the guides.
Craig B
09-21-2006, 11:22 PM
Yup, screenshot might help. Try clicking on the item and seeing if you can "expand" or "expand appearance" (under the object menu at the top) on it first, and then try adding a stroke.
urstwile
09-21-2006, 11:30 PM
Oooh, CraigB, I think that might be it.
balou
09-21-2006, 11:40 PM
Unlocking guides didn't change. Original had a mesh gradient which I removed. I've tried going to the sublayers and clicking on individuals to add a stroke - no go. Here's a screen shot. Simple image, I know, but this is like a puzzle I have to solve. (too much time sitting next to prepress at the last job) ;)
http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/1229/ss1lc1.th.jpg (http://img396.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ss1lc1.jpg)
balou
09-21-2006, 11:41 PM
Craig, expand or exand appearance are grayed out and not able to select them.
rickself
09-21-2006, 11:48 PM
Release compound path
Release clipping path
Prepress NEVER gives up! WE WILL WIN!!
Virgo Nightingale
09-21-2006, 11:59 PM
Perhaps you can't place a stroke on a mesh object? Even if the gradients are removed?
balou
09-22-2006, 12:00 AM
lol!
Clipping Mask, Compound Paths and Crop Area are grayed out! c'mon c'mon! ;)
balou
09-22-2006, 12:06 AM
Perhaps you can't place a stroke on a mesh object? Even if the gradients are removed?
I deleted the mesh gradients and just the outlines remain with solid fill. Is there more to "unmesh" something?
balou
09-22-2006, 12:09 AM
Aha Virgo, found it on Illustrator help with your mesh object comment...
To convert a mesh object back to a path object, select the mesh object, choose Object > Path > Offset Path, and then enter zero for the offset value.
balou
09-22-2006, 12:10 AM
Problem solved! Thanks all!
Danger_Mouse
09-22-2006, 12:13 AM
Original had a mesh gradient which I removed.
How did you remove the gradient mesh? This may be the issue. Was it just on a separate layer and you simply deleted it with the yellow layer below it?
Or did you reset the mesh points at 0, or delete node by node on the mesh? Either of the last two doesn't really delete the mesh and basically leaves your shape uneditable as far as color and stroke. You can still select it, but until you add mesh points wont be able to do much else on that level.
Here's what you can do (we'll easily reproduce the shape since its one color).
Draw a box larger than the image in a different color. Place it behind the mesh shape
Expand the mesh shape and then flatten transparency at 100 vectors
Select both the expanded mesh shape and the drawn box
Divide and ungroup. You will have a duplicate of the mesh shape.
Use white arrow tool and move things around to find it.
There may be an easier way, I don't know. But I played with it while waiting for the plumber to do his plumbing (nice mess to come home to).
Edited after
Problem solved! Thanks all!
doh a little late and wrong even....still the above hold true
balou
09-22-2006, 12:15 AM
I have a lot to learn about Illustrator!
*edit - I did delete the gradient mesh node by node.
Hope the mess isn't too bad there DM.
Danger_Mouse
09-22-2006, 12:18 AM
It is ....I am suppose to be downtown to meet Jam (from GDF visiting from england)....was suppose to go talk shop with drinks. Not sure I can make it :(
So what solved it?
Danger_Mouse
09-22-2006, 12:31 AM
To convert a mesh object back to a path object, select the mesh object, choose Object > Path > Offset Path, and then enter zero for the offset value.
Sorry just saw that. Thats a great trick!
Never ceases to amaze me ...illustrator is such a great program. Little combinations of things achieving awesome stuff.
also just noticed this was post number 420. Sweet.
balou
09-22-2006, 12:42 AM
It is ....I am suppose to be downtown to meet Jam (from GDF visiting from england)....was suppose to go talk shop with drinks. Not sure I can make it :(
Awww! Go! The mess will still be there when you get home. Stay up and clean then call in sick tomorrow. ;) Or have Jam come out and help you clean. :D
urstwile
09-22-2006, 12:46 AM
I'm glad you figured it out Balou!
Danger_Mouse
09-22-2006, 12:49 AM
Well the plumber is still downstairs and no one is home but me and its 8:10 (suppose to be there for 8). If I can get rid of him soon Ill scooch down. I will feel real bad if I dont.
balou
09-22-2006, 12:49 AM
I'm glad you figured it out Balou!
I am invinceable! :D
urstwile
09-22-2006, 01:01 AM
Of course you are! You're balou! You've got a gas mask on!
Heehee, I tend to be really persistent about solving stuff like this myself, so I can relate.
Well now that you have that issue solved. (I was gonna say it was the mesh before I read it woohoo) Why the hell is image shack now got pop-ups and how did it get past my pop-up blocker? :mad:
urstwile
09-22-2006, 01:17 AM
Well now that you have that issue solved. (I was gonna say it was the mesh before I read it woohoo) Why the hell is image shack now got pop-ups and how did it get past my pop-up blocker? :mad:
Well, that's yucky Kool, although Safari is blocking 'em just fine, unless the pop-ups come up after you upload something?
Nope just looking at Balou's image. I haven't had a pop-up in forever, it's one of those sneaky ones too. The kind that doesn't really pop up, it's just there in the task bar. It's for some poker place.
urstwile
09-22-2006, 01:59 AM
Doesn't show up on Mac, lucky us I guess, although I'm sure they'll figure out (or care enough to figure out) a way to get both platforms into the obsessive marketing interference mix at some point.
Unlocking guides didn't change. Original had a mesh gradient which I removed.
There's your problem. A gradient mesh CANNOT be edited as a normal shape.
This is one reason I avoid meshes, and use color blends instead.
A gradient mesh will always mesh you up in the future...
*EDIT: Sorry, I didn't see the last two pages of posts... Guess this has already been said.