Multi Layer Merge (flatten)

[JimmyJet]

I am having a major issue merging my image. Wondering if someone might be able to give me some advice on how to go forward. I want to merge (flatten) the image so that all the overlapping layers are seperated. I need to do this to edit the colors and set it up for a silk screen. 

What do I need to do so that I can get the layers merged so they are not overlapping?

Please see the attached images to get a better understanding of the issue. 

What it looks like before merger

What it looks like after merger

[pixxxelschubser]

What happens if you do before:

• select all
• object --> flatten transparency

[JimmyJet]

I have never tried to do a Flatten Transparency before... I used the standard setting and it doesn't look like it changed anything but how the layout is done in the layers...

After Flatting Transparency > Then Merger it still looked the same.

[Monika Gause]

How is this built? Please show the layers.

Exactly how did you flatten it?

[JimmyJet]

I have gone though and done a ton of Ungrouping because I thought that was the issue, so most all the parts are seperated now, and there are 100's of layers.

There are still some Compound Paths and Clip Group's

I have also Expanded everything so there are no lines

[Monika Gause]

So that tire has been built exactly how?

[JimmyJet]

I am sorry I dont know how to answer that or what your looking for. 

There are layers on layers

As you can see the layers are overlapping eachother

[Monika Gause]

I am searching for an answer to why your flattening ends up in a grey area overlapping everything else. If those were just layers stacked on top then the Pathfinder (from the Pathfinder panel) Merge would take care of it.

But this seems to be something else.

[JimmyJet]

Thanks for your help, I selected just the gray layer and its a Clip Group with many layers inside of it. 

I am sorry but I will be AFK for a few hours, will check back later, once again thanks for your help.

[Monika Gause]

I assume that some Pathfinder operations could still take care of this, but in order to find out which, please provide the AI file.

[JimmyJet]

Here is the undedited file, before I ungrouped a bunch of items. Any help would be outstanding.

[Monika Gause]

Unfortunately the forum doesn't like attachments (also you cannot upload AI files). Could you please share it via Creative Cloud, Dropbox, wetransfer or the like? Thank you.

[JimmyJet]

Lets try this: https://www.dropbox.com/s/goemw1okafk71oa/Racecar_edit.ai?dl=0

Dropbox link

[Monika Gause]

Wow. OK.

You need to outline strokes.

Unfortunately you have way too many clipping masks in there than is good for your workflow. Illustrator is extraordinarily bad at expanding (flattening) clipping paths. You will have to select each singe one of them in the layers panel, since they are so difficult to select on the artboard and then iuse the Pathfinder Crop on it. This doesn't even work when you select all of the clipping masks together.

Maybe make an action, so you can assign a shortcut to Crop

I have found one object that has reduced opacity, you should try and download the plugin Select Menu at rj-graffix.com to see if there are more. You will need to apply a light color instead of transparency.

I could not find out if after flattening all those masks then Merge will work.

If it doesn't, try Divide

After Divide you still need to Merge, because same colors on neighbouring shapes need to be joined.

[JimmyJet]

Awesome, Thanks. I didn't make this file I am just trying to work with it. I also provied you with the unedited version. I will see waht I can do, and try the crop. 

I appresheate your help!

[Monika Gause]

I do not envy you for that task. It will be very tedious and having the result will certainly be rewarding. Best of luck with the file! If anything doesn't work out, please do not hesitate to ask.