Eraser will erase while mouse is dragged, but undoes when you unclick mouse

[angeliewv]

Hello, Everyone. I am asking this question on behalf of my 12-year-old son, who just started working with Adobe Animate. I know virtually NOTHING about Adobe applications, so please excuse my ignorance! To make a long story short, this is what's happening: when he erases something, it goes away while the mouse is clicked/dragged, but when you unclick the mouse, it comes right back.  His animation is one "merged layer." That may or may not be relevant. As I said, I don't know anything about these apps! Can anyone guess what the problem might be? If you need visuals see what is happening, I can post. Thank you in advance. 

[kglad]

he should start by checking his eraser mode (a symbol at the bottom of the tools panel shown after selecting the eraser).  unless eraser mode "normal" is selected, the eraser can do unexpected (by novices) things. eg, eraser mode "inside", "erase lines" and "erase selected fills" will do just what you described to most things drawn and then "erased".

[angeliewv]

Thank you, I will have him try this!

[arvind_bv]

@angeliewv  Eraser only works on Shapes and Drawing objects. If you are trying to erase on top of a Group or Symbol(Graphic,Movieclip), it wont work. In order to erase Group or Symbols, you have to double click to go inside it and then use the Eraser tool. Again it has to be a Shape or Drawing object when you are erasing it inside a Group or Symbol. 

If the issue still exist please share/attach a short screen recording of the issue. Thanks.

[angeliewv]

Thank you, I will have him try this! If it doesn't work, I will post a short recording. 

[kglad]

if it doesn't work, check my post.  it's the more likely cause.