How do I access layers of a jpeg in Illustrator CC?

[Arlene-M]

I need to access all layers of an jpeg image I placed in Illustrator CC.  The jpeg image doesn't have layers saved and I didn't create it.  I need to work on it in Illustrator and when I convert it in Image Trace it selects all the individual strokes and dots and not letters and pictures, etc. Any help will be appreciated and soon!  Tx!

[Mike_Gondek · Accepted solution]

The .jpg format does not save layers. File formats such  as .ai, .pdf, .psd, .tiff allow you to save layers, if the person constructing the file knew what they are doing and kept layers.

[Arlene-M]

Thank you!  I was afraid that was the case.

[SJRiegel]

Image trace cannot give you the result you are looking for.
The program hasn't the sort of awareness that would allow it to "know" what it is tracing. Everything is just a shape. 

The only way to do what you want without the original vector file is to use Illustrator's drawing tools to recreate the image by redrawing it yourself.

[Arlene-M]

Thank you.  Seems a bit tedious even for me.

[SJRiegel]

If you can figure out what the font was, you can retype the lettering. The rest may be tedious to redraw, but sometimes that is the only way to get a good result.