How to Ungroup Images (or Elements Within Images) Downloaded from Adobe Stock
You don't ungroup images directly in Adobe Stock, as Adobe Stock is a marketplace for licensing assets. Ungrouping is an action you perform on the file after you have downloaded it from Adobe Stock and opened it in a compatible editing software like Adobe Illustrator.
Based on the provided reference, the process described for ungrouping elements often applies to vector files or illustrations that may need further editing after being licensed.
If you have downloaded a vector file (like an AI, EPS, or SVG) or have converted a raster image to vectors using a tool within editing software, you can ungroup its component parts. The reference describes a process typically used after converting a raster image to vector paths using "Image Trace".
Here are the general steps often involved, particularly relevant if you've used a process like "Image Trace":
- Open the File: Open the downloaded vector file (or the result of your "Image Trace" process) in your vector editing software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator).
- Select the Object: Click on the group of elements you want to ungroup.
- Apply Actions (if needed):
- If the graphic was created using "Image Trace" from a raster image, you might first need to select the object.
- Then, as the reference states, hit "Image Trace" at the top of your screen (this panel might open or apply directly depending on settings).
- Next, click "Expand" at the top as well. This converts the traced result into editable vector paths.
- Ungroup: Once the object is expanded into paths, it is often still grouped. To separate the individual components:
- Right-click on the selected object.
- Choose "Ungroup" from the context menu.
- Alternatively, with the object selected, go to the menu (often
Object>Ungroup).
- Repeat Ungrouping (if necessary): Sometimes, elements might be nested within multiple groups. You may need to apply the "Ungroup" command multiple times until all individual elements are separate.
Voila! As the reference mentions, once ungrouped, you can move around and choose individual things within the image, modify colors, delete elements, etc.
Why Ungroup?
Ungrouping is essential when you need to:
- Edit individual shapes or paths within a complex illustration.
- Change the color of specific elements independently.
- Rearrange components of a design.
- Remove unwanted parts of a graphic.
| Action | Description | Typical Software Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Finding and obtaining rights to use an asset | Adobe Stock Website |
| Downloading | Saving the asset file to your computer | Adobe Stock Website |
| Editing | Modifying the asset (e.g., changing colors, ungrouping) | Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, etc. |
| Ungrouping | Separating grouped elements within a vector file or shape | Adobe Illustrator (primarily for vectors) |
| Image Trace | Converting raster image pixels into editable vector paths | Adobe Illustrator |
| Expand | Finalizing the vector paths created by Image Trace | Adobe Illustrator |
Remember, the ability to ungroup depends on the type of file you download from Adobe Stock. This technique is primarily for vector graphics or illustrations where elements are distinct paths or shapes. Raster images (like JPEGs or PNGs) do not have grouped elements in the same way vector files do, although layers in programs like Photoshop serve a similar purpose for managing components.
