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Robert24139911lfif
Participant
May 11, 2022
Answered

Copy/paste appearance function not working

  • May 11, 2022
  • 3 replies
  • 1909 views

Hi

I'm trying to copy/paste a simple drop shadow effect from one shape to another.

When I select the effect in the Appearance panel and begin to drag-drop a hand icon displays, when I move the hand icon to the artboard the icon changes to the 'Clear Appearance' circle with a line stopping me from pasting the effect to the new shape.

Does anyone know where I'm going wrong? Any help would be appreciated as this function would be super helpful if I can get it to work.

Screengrabs show what's happening.

All the best

Rob

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Mike_Gondek10189183

The hand icon in appearance plaette, is to drag appearance items around within the same object. To copy and paste to another object doubeclick the eyedropper tool and check

 

Unfortunately, you cannot just pick up the drop shadow effect. You will need to change back any other items such as fill color. 

If you recently created the drop show, you can go to

Effect >> Apply Drop Shadow, as it remembers the last effect.

3 replies

Mike_Gondek10189183
Community Expert
Mike_Gondek10189183Community ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
May 11, 2022

The hand icon in appearance plaette, is to drag appearance items around within the same object. To copy and paste to another object doubeclick the eyedropper tool and check

 

Unfortunately, you cannot just pick up the drop shadow effect. You will need to change back any other items such as fill color. 

If you recently created the drop show, you can go to

Effect >> Apply Drop Shadow, as it remembers the last effect.

    R
    Robert24139911lfifAuthor
    Participant
    May 11, 2022

    Got ya, so copy/pasting appearance creds won't work how I hoped for.

    Once I've double-clicked on a shape with the eyedropper tool, how do I drop the appearance credentials on another shape?

     

    marliton
    Community Expert
    marlitonCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 11, 2022

    Hi. I'm not sure that your technique works for copy Appearances. I use the layers panel, check this link: https://www.gameartguppy.com/illustrator-quick-tip-how-to-copy-appearances-between-objects/

     

    Marlon Ceballos
    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 11, 2022

    This can be achieved from the panel as well.

    If you drag the little icon at the top left of the panel to another object, it will do the same as dragging the target symbol in the layers panel.

     

    But in both cases it also copies the fill color.

    I assume that is not desirable in this case

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 11, 2022

    Exactly what are you trying to drop exactly where?

     

    In order to just apply the drop shadow without changing the fill color:

    Make a path with no fill/no stroke

    Turn that into a graphic style

    Select an object that has whatever fill color.

    Press Alt & click on the graphic style

      R
      Robert24139911lfifAuthor
      Participant
      May 11, 2022

      I'm trying to copy the drop shadow appearance credentials from the top shape to the shape underneath.

      Monika Gause
      Community Expert
      Monika GauseCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 11, 2022

      My step by step directions solves that.

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