Break apart Illustrator file in AS layers

RBuday · Post by **RBuday** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 12:00 am

A newbie question: I understand Illustrator files import as a single layer. How, then, does one move selected vectors into new AS layers (for example, separating a head illustration's eyes into a separate layer).

Thanks,

funksmaname · Post by **funksmaname** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 12:22 am

save separate illustrator files...?

jonbo · Post by **jonbo** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 12:26 am

If you have AS8, you could try the RT: Break Apart Shapes script. Don't know if it would work, but worth a try. EDIT: while I don't have ILLUSTRATOR, i can export from COREL PAINT X as an illustrator file and the script works. Just tried it. This opens up some interesting options for me

jonbo · Post by **jonbo** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 1:18 am

Another thought. If we're talking about vector shapes, you can use cut or copy and paste the selection to another layers.

funksmaname · Post by **funksmaname** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 4:26 am

the problem is probably the complexity of illustrator shapes and sheer number of shapes/fills and points. In some ways its easier to just flatten the layers you want to high res raster parts in illustrator - breakapart script will probably justt give you a zillion unusable shapes across lots of layers...

the easiest way if you insist on importing illustrator is to split them up IN illustrator where you have best control of the shapes as they are at that point. once you bring it into AS and have to split them with millions of points your life is instantly complicated.

jonbo · Post by **jonbo** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 12:23 pm

That true Funk, I only tried a few simple tests and you really get too many shapes out of it.