To ungroup an Image Trace in Illustrator, you must first expand the trace, which converts it into editable vector paths, and then apply the ungroup command.
Understanding the Process: Expand First
Before you can ungroup parts of an Image Trace, you need to convert the traced result into actual vector objects. Illustrator's Image Trace feature initially creates a dynamic tracing object that is not directly editable as individual shapes.
The crucial step is expanding the Image Trace. As stated in the reference, once you've finished adjusting your Image Trace settings, you need to "click expand in the upper toolbar to convert your art and selections into a digital vector image". This action finalizes the tracing process and turns the result into a group of vector shapes that you can then manipulate.
Step-by-Step Guide to Ungrouping
Here are the steps to follow after applying an Image Trace:
Step 1: Select Your Image Trace Object
Ensure the object you applied Image Trace to is selected on your artboard.
Step 2: Expand the Image Trace
This is the essential conversion step.
- With the traced object selected, find the Expand button.
- It is typically located in the Control bar at the top of the window or within the Properties panel when the traced object is selected.
- Click the Expand button.
Clicking "Expand" converts the tracing into a collection of vector paths, often grouped together. From here, as the reference notes, you can then proceed to ungroup, change colors, resize, or move individual components.
Step 3: Ungroup the Expanded Result
After clicking Expand, the result is usually a group of paths. To edit individual shapes or colors, you need to ungroup them.
- With the newly expanded group still selected, navigate to the menu bar.
- Go to Object > Ungroup.
- Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut:
- Windows: Ctrl + Shift + G
- macOS: Cmd + Shift + G
Ungrouping Multiple Times
Depending on the complexity of the trace and how Illustrator groups the resulting paths, you might need to apply the Ungroup command more than once. Keep selecting the object and applying Object > Ungroup (or the shortcut) until the Ungroup option is greyed out, indicating there are no more groups within the current selection.
Tips for Working with Ungrouped Vector Traces
Once ungrouped, your traced image is now a collection of separate vector shapes.
- Selection: Use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to select individual paths or points. Use the Selection Tool (V) to select entire shapes or remaining groups.
- Coloring: Select individual shapes or multiple shapes and change their fill or stroke color using the Color panel, Swatches panel, or Properties panel.
- Editing Paths: Use the Pen Tool (P) or the Anchor Point Tool (Shift + C) to modify the vector paths directly.
- Grouping: You can re-group selected elements using Object > Group (Ctrl/Cmd + G) to keep related parts together.
By expanding and then ungrouping, you gain complete control over the vector shapes generated from your Image Trace, allowing for detailed editing and manipulation.
