Skip to main content
I
InsaniTiny
Participant
January 23, 2020
Answered

Ignore locked layers when using Eyedropper tool in Illustrator

  • January 23, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 2434 views

Hello all,

 

As the title says, I would like to know if there is a way for Illustrator (CS6) to ignore locked layers. I work with a lot of layers, and usually I am not working on the top-most layer. When I want to eyedrop a color or opacity, I get the wrong color a lot of the time, since the eyedropper tool selects the properties of the top-most layer instead of the layer I am working in. 

 

This means that I constantly have to turn a lot of layers off and back on during my drawing process. This takes a lot of time and causes a lot of frustration, especially when I am editing a layer near the bottom. I need the top layers visible because they often have overlays which change the color of the total picture, so keeping them turned off is not a solution.

 

If anyone knew a way to ignore locked layers with the eyedropper tool, that would be much appreciated!

 

-Tiny

 

 

{Renamed by MOD}

    Correct answer Srishti Bali

    Hi Tiny,

     

    Thanks for reaching out. I am afraid, as of now there is no way to do that, however, it sounds like a great feature request. Would you mind taking a moment and share it on our Uservoice page: https://illustrator.uservoice.com/

     

    This is the best way of communicating with the Engineering and Product Management teams regarding issues and suggestions so they can be implemented in future releases. 

     

    Regards,

    Srishti

    2 replies

    Kurt Gold
    Community Expert
    Kurt GoldCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    January 24, 2020

    Using two windows (Window > New Window) might be an acceptable option in the meantime, at least a workaround.

     

    In one window you can show all layers, in the second window you can hide all layers but the one in which you do the desired Eyedropper actions.

      antondbrand
      antondbrand
      Participant
      November 24, 2023

      That works  but still seems unnecessary
      Locked layers should have some options as to how locked they are

        Monika Gause
        Community Expert
        Monika GauseCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        November 24, 2023
        @antondbrand  schrieb:

        That works  but still seems unnecessary
        Locked layers should have some options as to how locked they are

         

        Please post feature requests to https://illustrator.uservoice.com

        This is a public forum and most people are volunteers. 

        Srishti Bali
        Srishti BaliCorrect answer
        Legend
        January 23, 2020

        Hi Tiny,

         

        Thanks for reaching out. I am afraid, as of now there is no way to do that, however, it sounds like a great feature request. Would you mind taking a moment and share it on our Uservoice page: https://illustrator.uservoice.com/

         

        This is the best way of communicating with the Engineering and Product Management teams regarding issues and suggestions so they can be implemented in future releases. 

         

        Regards,

        Srishti

        I
        InsaniTinyAuthor
        Participant
        January 23, 2020

        Hello Srishti,

         

        Thanks for answering my question. Too bad that this problem cannot be solved for now. I have shared the idea for an additional eyedropper option (ignore locked layers) on your Uservoice, hopefully something will eventually come of it. But looking at the amount of (good!) suggestions on there, it could take a while. Until then, I will eyedrop the hard way 😛

         

        -Tiny

        meganchi
        meganchi
        Legend
        January 23, 2020

        I know you need to see other layers while you work, but if you are eye dropping to use the properties of another object, then you could turn off all layers (except the one you are working on) by holding down your option key and clicking the layer you only want to see.

         

        Then once through editing that layer, you could hold down option key and click on the same active layer again to reveal all other layers.

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