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seank59211927
Participating Frequently
March 13, 2026
Question

How-to flatten a layered file

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

    9 replies

    seank59211927
    Participating Frequently
    March 13, 2026

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

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    seank59211927
    Participating Frequently
    March 13, 2026

    here is my original file with all the layered shapes

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    Anubhav M
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    March 13, 2026

    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

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    seank59211927
    Participating Frequently
    March 13, 2026

    OSX ill v 30.2.1

    how do I screen record?

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    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    March 13, 2026

    cmd+Shift+5

    Define an area

    click record.

    to stop the recording, use the stop button in the menu bar

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