Can all .ai files be ungrouped?

[CandiceT]

I have some graphic art I would like to edit. They are supposed the .ai source files, but I can't seem to ungroup the art at all. I have tried releasing to layers, ungrouping, etc...

Is it possible that some .ai files are saved as compressed images that are unable to ungroup even in Illustrator?

If yes, then how do you save so that you can ungroup?

If no, then what am I missing? Perhaps the artist created the image in another program and brought it into illustrator?  I just don' know why I can't ungroup it.

Thanks,

Candice.

[rcraighead]

Please post a screen capture including the Layer Panel with layers and groups open.

It could be rasterized or the artwork could be saved as "Symbols". A screen image will tell the story.

[jane-e]

You can upgroup it if it is a group. Check to see that it is.

You can look in:

• The Control panel
• The Appearance panel
• The Layers panel

[Bill Silbert]

Is it possible that the objects are compound paths rather than groups? If so then they can be released with Shift-Option-Command-8.

[John Mensinger]

It's pretty likely that if the contents of the file are indeed vector objects, they are all nested in a single clipping mask.

Select All, choose Object > Clipping Mask > Release...

[CandiceT · Accepted solution]

Wow, this forum is awesome! I so appreciate all the support!!!  I'm a rookie, and after trying everything to ungroup the art... I realized that I had "placed" the  illustration (file> place>) onto a layer to go with other artwork rather than opening the file directly in .ai then copying it all and pasting it all where I wanted it.

Since I had placed the file... the computer saw it as an object... a single compressed picture... no wonder nothing worked to ungroup it!

Thanks again everyone!

Candice

[jane-e]

Yes, that would do it, Candice—you have to find out what it is you are dealing with before you know how to deal with it! You are now on your way to becoming an expert!