How to unlink copied layers with symbols for recoloring? (AI 2020)

[whamalamaboom]

I added symbols to a layer then duplicated that layer from the layers panel. When I select the symbols on one layer to "recolor art", it recolors the symbols in the other layer as well. How do I stop that?

Also, is that just the default behavior for symbols or is there a preference I can change somewhere to make it stop? I didn't notice the same behavior with other types of things when I duplicate the layer.

Thanks

[meganchi · Accepted solution]

Yes, that is the default behavior for symbol instances. You can select that one symbol, however, and on the symbol panel hamburger menu, select "break link to symbol". Then any change you make to it only happen to that one symbol instance.

[whamalamaboom]

Thanks! I finally found it after searching for an hour right after I posted this. I don't remember AI being this convoluted.