Updated to 2026. When I Expand Appearance on a blended object, the results are broken.

[HarmerLlama_83]

I updated to Illustrator 2026 today. When I use the blend tool, it doesn't seem to function in the complete way it used to. Furthermore, when I Expand Appearance, it breaks the shapes completely. Any tips, or am I waiting for a fix?

[Monika Gause]

What kind of outcome are you expecting?

What kind of original objects are there in the blend?

Can you provide the AI file? (change the file extension to pdfm then you can upload it to the forum)

[HarmerLlama_83]

Hi Monika. In this file I have the 3 steps.

1. 2 shapes

2. Blended shapes - I was expecting it to be symmetrical. I have done this before on the previous version

3. Expanded appearance - I was expecting 3 separate shapes, not what appears to besome form of path combination.

Any ideas?

[Monika Gause]

I can't reproduce your result. Did you create the blend with the menu command?

Also: Expanding appearance would only work here if that is a brush applied to the shapes or perhaps an outside stroke. Was that the case?

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @HarmerLlama_83,

I tested this on my end but couldn't reproduce the issue. If it's happening consistently for you, please share a short screen recording showing your complete workflow, so I can better understand and test. Also, kindly provide the details requested the expert, including the file setup or a sample file if possible. This will help us check it more closely with the team.

Looking forward to your update.

Abhishek

[HarmerLlama_83]

Hi Abhishek. I've attached a screen recording. I have never had this issue before.

[Doug A Roberts]

I wouldn't expect Expand Appearance to even be available for a blend comprising objects with basic appearance.

Can you show the appearance panel for each object?

[Abhishek Rao]

Hi @HarmerLlama_83,

Thanks for sharing the recording. I tested this again on my end but still couldn't reproduce the issue. Could you please confirm the details requested by the expert and let me know if this behavior happens consistently with all files or only specific ones?

Try creating a completely new file and see if the issue persists. If it does, please manually reset Illustrator preferences and test again. You can follow the steps here: https://adobe.ly/47Lks0F or watch this quick walkthrough: https://adobe.ly/4hCiqDw.

If possible, please share an affected AI file for testing, so I can check it more closely.

Looking forward to your update.

Abhishek

[Rogier B]

Hello, I have reinstalled software on my MacStudio and also the Creative Cloud apps.

I was trying to use the Blend function in Illustrator with the key command Option-Command-B, but nothing happens. However, when I use the Blend tool from the tool palette, it does work. I have checked the menu and the Blending options are all grey, although two shapes are selected. It appears that more menu options are grey, such as Stilize, and I am also not able to store a Workspace setup.

What can be the reason why this doesn't work.

I am running the applications on a Mac Studio M1 Ultra with 128GB of RAM.

I hope anyone can help.

Rogier

[Monika Gause]

Is there a dialog box open somewhere?

Can you make a video of what's happening on the complete screen?

[Rogier B]

Hello Monika,

Thank you for your feedback. This morning I have reinstalled Illustrator, after deleting all preferences and Illustrator-application support-files, and now it works. I don't know what has caused the submenu items to be displayed in grey and not working. Fortunately, everything is working now. Thanks for your help!

[Monika Gause]

Glad you could solve it.