Stroke lines disappear when I convert to live paint? Illustrator CS5

Discussion in 'Graphics & Multimedia' started by WillmingtonW, Dec 7, 2013.

  1. #1
    Hi people, I'm a bit of a noob with Illustrator and when I try to convert objects to live paint to colour my images my stroke lines disappear. The object converts to live paint but all the stroke paths disappear.

    Am I doing something stupid or do I have to use a certain brush type? I know you should select 'expand' before converting to live paint but the option is always greyed out. Any help much appreciated. Thanks.
     
    WillmingtonW, Dec 7, 2013 IP
  2. Prefixcontent

    Prefixcontent Greenhorn

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    #2
    Hi there!
    Expanding your object is the best way to enable the live paint. Personally, I don't like using live paint .. not really sure why ... just prefer the other method!

    You said that sometimes the 'expand' function is greyed out .. is this when you have the live paint tool selected? If so, I find it easier to expand or expand appearance under the object drop down menu whilst having the strokes selected. This way the strokes turn to object and you can just colour them!

    I hope this helps .... if I am not making sense, I will try and explain again! haha!
     
    Prefixcontent, Dec 11, 2013 IP
  3. WillmingtonW

    WillmingtonW Active Member

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    #3
    Hi, thanks for replying.

    Yeah it makes sense. I'm selecting the stroke paths and trying to 'expand' from the 'object' drop down menu as you said. I'm using an artistic brush though and it's not on the default profile. Could that be the reason why? Do you need to use a certain brush type?
     
    WillmingtonW, Dec 12, 2013 IP
  4. Prefixcontent

    Prefixcontent Greenhorn

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    #4
    It shouldn't make a difference with the artistic brushes because they are saved onto Illustrator as part of the present package.

    Quite often I find that the Expand option is greyed out, but I just use Expand Appearance instead .. does a similar thing!
     
    Prefixcontent, Dec 12, 2013 IP
    WillmingtonW likes this.
  5. WillmingtonW

    WillmingtonW Active Member

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    Ah ok no problem. Thanks for the help. I'm sure I'll sort it when I go back on later then. I'm much more used to Photoshop and I'm mixing up some commands and shortcuts at the mo!
     
    WillmingtonW, Dec 12, 2013 IP
  6. Prefixcontent

    Prefixcontent Greenhorn

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    #6
    That's ok! I hope it made sense! :) I do that sometimes when I'm switching between programs! Especially when trying to lock objects in indesign and illustrator! I've sat there got 5 minutes wondering why my shortcut didn't work ... Oops!
     
    Prefixcontent, Dec 12, 2013 IP