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varxtis
Inspiring
June 5, 2020
Answered

Way to create new paths/object in front of selected path/object?

  • June 5, 2020
  • 7 replies
  • 3103 views

In illustrator, when I create a new path/shape/object it's created at the top of the list of the currently selected layer. If Im dealing with 100 different objects within the layer, its really frustrating to have to either cut the newly created path/shape/object, then scroll down to the desired path/shape/object, and hit ctrl+F (thnx @387734_Gold for teaching me that)

or

Click on newly chreated path/shape/object and drag it down.

Is there a setting I can change where as soon as I start drawing with the pen tool, or creating a new shape/object, it's created immediately above (in front of) the currently selected path/shape/object?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Kurt Gold

I dare say that you will not discover a better way than the Isolation mode route at the moment.

 

I do know that it is not ideal, therefore I'd suggest to do a feature request with clear instructions how you would like to get it implemented.

7 replies

danielag12616592
Participant
November 16, 2021

Colect and group  the objects on wich you want to draw  in a new layer.  You can create it with the option create new layer on layers preference panel. so thewhatever you draw will be   on top of that group you are working  instead of going far on top of the main group. *it will be kept as a sub group!

 

tromboniator
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2020

Thanks, Kurt. Now that you've restated it, I comprehend.

Kurt Gold
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2020

I can imagine that Charu's idea of a "Draw Selected mode" (that probably means a way to permanently draw right on top of any selected object), controlled by an option whatever and wherever it may be without taking the Isolation mode route could be a very good enhancement, Peter.

Charu Rajput
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2020

Yes, That is what I mean. We already have three options. New option will help to add objects in front of the selected object 

Best regards
Kurt Gold
Community Expert
Kurt GoldCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
June 5, 2020

I dare say that you will not discover a better way than the Isolation mode route at the moment.

 

I do know that it is not ideal, therefore I'd suggest to do a feature request with clear instructions how you would like to get it implemented.

tromboniator
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2020

I have been using this method for quite a while. Perhaps I suffer from a lack of imagination, but I'm at a lost to suggest how it could be made simpler. This is fast and easy. The hardest part is finding a shortcut that doesn't override an existing one, and that's a one-time hurdle.

 

Peter

varxtis
varxtisAuthor
Inspiring
June 6, 2020

I chose ctrl+*

Seemed to be free.

Kurt Gold
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2020

Yes, that's the basic principle, Charu.

 

I recommend to define a shortcut to isolate selected objects (see Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts > Menu Commands > Other Object).

 

Then select any object in the stacking order of the Layers palette, hit the shortcut, optionally deselect the selected object and draw the new path directly on top of the isolated item. Hit the Escape key if you are done.

Charu Rajput
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2020

Hi,

Well as far as I know, new objects is always created either at the top or at the end inside the layer, irrespective of the objects, path or shape selected from the layer panel. 

There are 3 modes for Drawing,

  • Draw Normal
  • Draw Behind
  • Draw Inside.

 

But not something like "Draw Selected Mode". May be I am not aware of that, but I am unable to find any setting for this till now.

 

Best regards
Kurt Gold
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2020

This is possible in Isolation mode.

 

Is that what you may be looking for?

Charu Rajput
Community Expert
Community Expert
June 5, 2020

Ohh nice!, I havn't thought that. That means, select the object and use isolation mode and then draw the object. This way it will create the new object in front of the isolated object. Am I right?

 

Best regards