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Trisha5E13
Known Participant
March 29, 2026
Question

Expanding after mirror tool used does not allow for the image to be in vector paths

  • March 29, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 13 views

I previously asked this question when I was using the mirror tool and last time by expanding my objects after the mirror tool was used, it allowed the mirror to be released. This time it still keeps the left and right side as two separate objects. I can't use the live paint tool as a result. Any reason this is happening? expand appearance is always grayed out (not sure why as this worked the first time) so I just used expand. 

    1 reply

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 29, 2026

    Most probably at least one part is inside a clipping mask. You will have to expand (or release - depending on what precisely it is) before you can continue with Live paint. CHeck out the Layers panel.

    T
    Trisha5E13Author
    Known Participant
    March 30, 2026

    Hello, how do I release a clipping mask? I never created one. I expanded once and now it just says group in the layers panel. I have the file attached if you are able to take a look please. 

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    March 30, 2026

    The Mirror repeat automatically creates them. Repeat is a great function, but once you have to expand them, you are in a mess. You might want to think about using the plugin Mirror Me (it’s free)

    In your artwork there is still a live repeat and there are still clipping masks.

    You can expand them via the Object menu. 

     

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