How-to flatten a layered file

Forum|Forum|23 days ago
March 13, 2026
3 replies
40 views

I have a layered illustrator file. I would like to flatten the image to the top shapes knock out the bottom shapes when they overlap. any suggestions. flatten transparency doesn't do anything. pathfinder trim gives random results based on multiple layers

seank59211927Author

Participating Frequently

here is what I am trying to accomplish with out manually cutting everything out.

after.mov

seank59211927Author

Participating Frequently

here is my original file with all the layered shapes

before.mov

Anubhav M

Community Manager

Hello @seank59211927,

Thanks for reaching out. Would you mind sharing more details, such as the exact versions of the OS/Illustrator installed, and a brief screen recording of the problem, so we can better assist you?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav