Eraser tool makes a shape instead of erasing?

[jeannehilary]

The eraser tool doesn't work on *one* file. It makes a shape with an outline instead (screenshot attached).
I can't attach the file because "The attachment's bu_dr_gm_boerboel-002.ai content type (application/postscript) does not match its file extension" so I'm thinking that might have something to do with it.

I haven't changed anything as far as how I save .ai files (screenshot attached).

I've checked it with other files, the most recent one I made before this one and older ones. Also I updated illustrator to the latest version and restarted the machine.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Steve Werner]

Yes, the eraser tool works like a brush (with a shape) to cut through vectors. Watch this tutorial:

https://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-use-the-eraser-tool-in-illustrator--cms-39644

[Kurt Gold]

Using the Eraser tool, it shouldn't look like shown in your screenshot if the black paths are plain filled objects.

To have a look at it, you may share the Illustrator file via Google Drive, Creative Cloud storage or any other file sharing service.

[jeannehilary]

Of course. I should have thought of that!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/kyu8ikrdtd1j4yg/BU_DR_GM_Boerboel-002.ai?dl=0

[Steve Werner]

I downloaded and opened your Illustrator file. I selected the "man-dog" shape:

Then I selected the Eraser tool and dragged across the artwork. This is the way the Eraser is supposed to work:

[jeannehilary]

This is, as you see from the screenshot I shared, and the one below, absolutely NOT how this tool is functioning for me.

Please provide a little more information so I can continue troubleshooting the problem.

What version of Illustrator are you using, and what OS/version.

**If anyone with higher level skills in Illustrator has any helpful input, I will be most appreciative.**

Thank you

[SJRiegel · Accepted solution]

When I use the eraser on your art with nothing selected, I get the same results that you are showing. 

If I select the black shape, and then use the eraser, it erases only the black. 

You are seeing the outline in the first instance becasue the orange shape being erased has a black stroke applied to it.

[jeannehilary]

Thank you!
I have been using illustrator for several years (not very well) but I have never managed to make this mistake before.

[Monika Gause]

**If anyone with higher level skills in Illustrator has any helpful input, I will be most appreciative.**

By @jeannehilary

Steve is one of the most proficient contributors to this forum. You won't get better responses when trying to insult people here.

Please tell us what exactly you are doing that leads to your result.

Make a video if you cannot describe it.

But maybe you could also: reboot your computer and reset the Illustrator preferences.

[jeannehilary]

There is no intention to insult anyone; my comment referred only to the content of the posts which did not address the problem.

[Monika Gause]

There is no intention to insult anyone; my comment referred only to the content of the posts which did not address the problem.

By @jeannehilary

Maybe next time you shoul read more closely before complaining because Steve described exactly the same thing that you now marked as the correct answer: that you have to select the object you want to erase on.