Illustrator – SVG import (Flourish) produces nested groups/clipping masks + need auto “rectangles →

Question

Importing SVGs from Flourish into Illustrator generates many nested groups and clipping masks I don’t need. I must manually clean everything to keep editable paths and text only.

Second need: for bar charts, I want to automatically convert each rectangle into a single centered stroke so I can animate thickness in After Effects (Trim Paths). I currently do this bar-by-bar, which is too time-consuming across 20–50 charts. I’m looking for a one-click (or batch) solution to (1) flatten SVGs on import without extra groups/masks, and (2) convert rectangles → centered stroke ready for AE animation.

An explanatory video is attached to this ticket to show the issue and the desired outcome.

vidéo explanatory and desired results

Monika Gause · Accepted Answer

Cleaning up unnecessary clip groups: probably check out the plugin VectorFirstAid (not free)

As for converting rectangles to lines, you could try this: https://community.adobe.com/t5/illustrator-discussions/new-year-new-strokes/m-p/12629248

But frankly: if it doesn't work for you, then that's that. Everything can only be a workaround.

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