How Do I Edit Image Colors in Illustrator?

You can edit image colors in Illustrator using the Recolor Artwork feature. Here's how:

1. Select the Artwork: Use the Selection tool (V) to select the artwork you want to recolor. This could be a vector image or an embedded raster image.

2. Access Recolor Artwork:

   • Properties Panel: Locate the "Recolor" button in the Properties panel on the right side of the Illustrator interface. Click this button. This opens the Recolor Artwork dialog box.
   • Edit Menu (Alternative): Alternatively, you can go to Edit > Edit Colors > Recolor Artwork.

3. The Recolor Artwork Dialog Box:

   • Color Wheel: The Recolor Artwork dialog box displays a color wheel representing the colors used in your selected artwork. Each color is represented by a handle on the wheel.
   • Adjusting Colors: Drag one or more color handles on the color wheel to change the colors in your artwork. All colors will shift based on the adjustments you make.
   • Edit Individually: You can also edit individual colors by double-clicking a color handle. This opens a color picker, allowing you to choose a specific new color.
   • Color Harmony: The "Color Harmony" options can help you create visually appealing color schemes based on different color rules (e.g., complementary, analogous).

4. Recolor Options: Explore the various options within the Recolor Artwork dialog box to fine-tune the color editing process:

   • Assign: This tab allows you to remap existing colors to new colors, essentially replacing one color with another throughout your artwork.

   • Edit: This tab provides the color wheel and individual color editing controls.

   • Presets: Use presets to quickly apply pre-defined color schemes.

5. Understanding Color Groups: Recolor Artwork utilizes the concept of "Color Groups." These are sets of colors that Illustrator recognizes as related. If your original artwork had similar hues or shades, these will likely be grouped. Editing one color in a group often affects the others.

6. Working with Raster Images: If you are working with an embedded raster image, the Recolor Artwork tool may be more limited compared to vector graphics. You might only be able to adjust the overall hue, saturation, and brightness. For more extensive color editing of raster images, consider using Adobe Photoshop.

7. Applying the Changes: Once you are satisfied with the color adjustments, click "OK" to apply the changes to your artwork.

By using the Recolor Artwork feature effectively, you can quickly and easily change the colors in your Illustrator designs.