: Separating images from a downloaded vector file I have downloaded vector images from shutterstock. There are many images on the page and I want to break them apart. I am able to get the direct

@Jessie844

As I understand the question, you want to select only part of a vector group/mask.

A simple way to do this is to use the Direct Selection tool (Hotkey: A) and select only the nodes of the part you want to select. You can select multiple notes by holding down the Shift key. You should be able to copy just the selected nodes to the clipboard.

EDIT: You can also select the entire vector and press Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + G to ungroup the vector (if it is a group), or as mentioned before, try looking at the layers panel.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Murray664

I had the same problem but if you are using Illustrator CS6, after you paste the vectors in your project:


Make sure the image is selected
Click on the button at the top that says Edit Original next to image trace button.


This will open the vectors in another page and you will be able to copy the individual vectors and go paste it back in the project you were working on...

I hope this is helpful.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Fox8063795

If you are using illustrator, the layers palette is a great way of understanding how the image is constructed. Some parts might be grouped or masked. By expanding the layers and groups, you can see which are which, and even select the parts you want.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Smith574

The vector is probably contained in a clipping mask. Select the vector and right click over it, if the option is shown to "release clipping mask" click it and then you will have access to the layers. It's either groups or clipping mask.

Vote Up Vote Down

@Deb5748823

I'm not sure if I fully understand your problem, but have you tried doubleclicking the parts that you want? The layers may be grouped together, and doubleclicking them usually makes you move into that group, so you can select each part separately.

This is only for Adobe Illustrator though, I don't know how other programs handle this.

Vote Up Vote Down