Can't edit text in a .ai file that was sent to me

Forum|Forum|13 years ago
August 25, 2012
2 replies
38842 views

Hi,

I hired a person to design a business card for me and he sent me the original .ai file for if I ever wanted to make changes or to even submit to printers for printing. I have had the design laying around for a few weeks and finally got some legal stuff done and need to change my title as well as add our web address to the business card, however as much as I try I cannot seem to edit the text. Does anyone have any ideas or who would even be willing to fix the two small things for me if I sent them the original file??

Much thanks in advance!!!

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A

anthonyr17067517

Participant

The answer from Steven Fairbarin started to explain how to edit the text, but didn't finish. The objects in the file I got sent are not locked, but they are outlined. Now I can see the Outline view, but I still can't select any box of text or change the text. Is there an easier way now (since this was posted in 2012) to change the text in a .ai file?

I am having the same problem and I think I'm just going to give up and use a different application. I have Adobe Illustrator for work, but it is not easy to use or efficient. I've started using Canva and it is significantly easier.

Monika Gause

Community Expert

When the text is outlined, even Canva won't enable you to edit it.

Try and turn omelette back into eggs.

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anthonyr17067517

Participant

So I asked someone who actually was able to provide a solution and the easiest way to do this was to go to Find and Replace. I had to check the boxes for Search Hidden and Search Locked, but it worked. Actually, works in both applications.

Thank you for the analogy though. You are correct, I'm not a graphic designer, obviously. So I probably shouldn't even try using tools for a graphic designer in the first place. I apologize. Unfortunately, it was required for my job as a developer, and I am burdened by a desire to have things make sense.