PNG Icon Files

[Ross5FDF]

Hello.  I am new to Illustrator, and I have an icon file as a PNG, in which I am trying to change the background color.  I am able to successfully change the color, but when I do, I lose the lightbulb icon (which is white), and I end up with just a circle with the new color.  I am assuming it is a layer issue.  How do I separate the two elements (lightbulb icon, and color background), so I don't lose the white lighbulb icon when I update the background color?

Thanks for any assistance as this has been driving me crazy!

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

A screenshot would really help in trying to understand what you're dealing with.

Are you using Image Trace to achieve this?

If yes, select the PNG and look in the Control Panel or Properties panel for Image Trace popup menu and choose the Default Preset. Then go to Object > Image Trace > Expand. 

This should allow you to select the Background and Icon and all vector shapes individually with the Direct Selection tool (A).

Hope this helps!

[Jacob Bugge]

Misplaced post, deleted.

[Ross5FDF]

Thanks for the info Jeff. I went into the Properties and selected the Default Preset for the graphic. When I go to Object>Image Trace> Expand, "Expand" is grayed out and Illustrator is not allowing me to select that option.

I have tried providing a screenshot and the actual file itself, but I keep getting an error message here.

[Jacob Bugge]

Ross,

Are you working with an Image Trace of a PNG, or is it still a PNG?

In the latter case you will have to Image Trace first, then you can expand.

[Jacob Bugge]

Ross,

As implied by Jeff, PNG is a raster image. It would seem more obvious to simply recolour it in Photoshop.

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

Absolutely! Unless of course, you really need vector icons.

[Ross5FDF]

Thanks Jacob.  This might be for a Photoshop community, but what would be the easiest way to recolor the background in Photoshop?

Sorry, new to most of the Adobe Creative programs.  🙂

Ross

[Jacob Bugge]

Indeed, Jeff.

I believe this is one of many cases where we might just as well have posted oppositely.