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FRANCISCO314968653snt
Participant
August 4, 2023
Answered

Why is a seemingly simple task nearly impossible? Selecting single objects from a PDF heat map

  • August 4, 2023
  • 4 replies
  • 437 views

I have a Heatmap pdf made with R studio, using the pdf function and i need to move some of the legends in the image. The legends are multiple paths and i use the white arrow tool, usually i can select multiple bjects using it by dragging my trackpad but it always selects a panel behind it (there are two, one that is invisible? and the other that works as an artboard? not sure why they exist) and its nearly IMPOSSIBLE to de-select it (shift + right click). I've done double clicks and what not and its not allowing me to select just the legend objects. Its so ridiculous. 

Before anyone suggest I do a semester course on illustrator (who would do this?) I'm a scientist not a graphic designer. Please this should be straight forward creative process not a roadblock to publishing. 

To be fair I really have no idea what are these panels but pdf() prints them nonetheless. 

How can I select and de-select the panels in the back of my object?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer CarlosCanto

    while you do a semester course, try this

     

    press Cmd + Y to go into Outline mode, then try selecting as usual with the White Arrow. Press Cmd + Y when you're done to go back to Preview mode.

     

    4 replies

    CarlosCanto
    Community Expert
    CarlosCantoCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    August 4, 2023

    while you do a semester course, try this

     

    press Cmd + Y to go into Outline mode, then try selecting as usual with the White Arrow. Press Cmd + Y when you're done to go back to Preview mode.

     

    F
    FRANCISCO314968653sntAuthor
    Participant
    August 4, 2023

    That is one usefull feature! If only such insight was easily searchable using a question/problem -> solution format without having to learn all these specialized terms and concepts. Maybe a cookbook style for scietists 

    Ton Frederiks
    Community Expert
    Ton FrederiksCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 4, 2023

    As you can see in the Layers panel when you have selected something, you can also use it to select/deselect objects.

    Illustrator is a professional application, not a generic PDF editor, so don't expect anything to be straight forward.

    F
    FRANCISCO314968653sntAuthor
    Participant
    August 4, 2023

    I know and I'm not a proffessional graphic designer/pddf editor, but if we want to communicate our results we rely on these tools. And in grad school we don't have a design team. Maybe in my next job. Thanks for providing a correct answer!

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 4, 2023

    This is all inside a clipping mask. You have to release that or use the group selection tool

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    FRANCISCO314968653sntAuthor
    Participant
    August 4, 2023

    Thank you! this concept of clipping mask was so foreign. I see that its selected within that "clipping mask". Now I now what is happening . Thank you again!

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    FRANCISCO314968653sntAuthor
    Participant
    August 4, 2023

    THIS IS HOW I'M SELECTING

    THIS BORDER PANEL: HOW I DE-SELECT!!!???

     

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