Skip to main content
T
Trisha5E13
Known Participant
March 29, 2026
Answered

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

  • March 29, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 107 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. 

Correct answer Monika Gause

@Trisha5E13 As I already wrote: Expanding clipping masks is the hard part. Looking at your artwork in outline mode shows that there are duplicates somewhere. And this is far too complicated overall to search for them and eliminate them. Also: I really do not know how this is supposed to look like and which details to watch out for after doing anything on it (only you know that.).

So regarding the situation I think your best option is to release the Repeat and use MirrorMe instead. And then never use Repeat again for this kind of task.

The usual method for expanding a clipping mask (after expanding the Repeat) is either the Pathfinder Merge or the Pathfinder Crop. Both fail with your artwork.

2 replies

Ares Hovhannesyan
Community Expert
Ares HovhannesyanCommunity Expert
Community Expert
April 4, 2026

I am able to use Live Paint for small object. Are you talking about small flower?

 

T
Trisha5E13Author
Known Participant
April 5, 2026

Hello, no I’m talking about the larger design that has the mirror tool

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. 

       

        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
        Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices