Sorting objects after clipping mask.

[PatchWork]

I can’t seem to do this or find an answer on the inter web. Please help!

using illustrator CS6. I have created a template of about 40 objects As my top lawyer and then desgined on top of it a design that encorporates many elements that I then clipped to the template. Great right? Not exactly.

The clipping mask groups everything that cannot be ungrouped. I need to basically “cut out” or trace each object so I can “nest” nest them for printing.

Anything ive tried doesn’t allow me to isolate anything individually. If I release the compound path I can move whatever I want but my mask disappears.....

can i I achieve what I want in illustrator? Bring the file to Photoshop instead?

[Monika Gause]

You want to edit individual objects inside the mask?

How to use and edit clipping masks in Illustrator

Try the two editing buttons in the control panel.

Or try isolation mode.

[PatchWork]

Thanks for your help and insight

Tried isolation mode. I need This to work but was hoping I didn’t overlook something so obvious. It sorta works? I can move the template or isolate one of many objects on top BUT I can’t move the pieces on top of the template as one.

Example:

Make 3 separate circles in a line.

Make them a compound path

In a second layer make a square with a scribble effect a photo or otherwise.

Make the two layers into a clipping mask.

Now try and arrange the individual masked circles into a triangle formation rather than a line.

Whats happening to me:

they all all move at once and can’t be rearranged as I please. If I do isolate the circle it doesn’t take with it what’s laying on top.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Can you please show screenshots? Thank you.

Another possibility: use either the group selection or the direct selection tool

[PatchWork]

You hit the nail on the head. Group selection tool and drawing a marquee around object!! Thank you aooooo much!!

thank you to everyone else who read this and responded!

[jane-e]

Use Isolation mode AND the Layers panel. Use the selection indicator in the Layers panel to select if you need to. You can also check to see if you need to isolate further into the compound path or back up.