Import AI file (vectors) and working with them

[mjindustry]

Once I import an ai file that contained vector lines, can I fill those objects with color and perform other similar operations? The only thing I can ever figure out is to change the color of the line, but I cannot figure out how to fill it.

[steve.ledger]

Make sure the line is joined (start to end), otherwise it won't fill.

I can tell what else might have come across in your file from a screenshot of course, but there are several other possibilities that might need attending too as well.
Can you attach the file?

[mjindustry]

Thanks for the help. Here is the file.

[steve.ledger]

[1] Select the letter
[2] Select the shape tool
[3] Press the END key on your keyboard
[4] Press ENTER
[5] Now select a fill colour from the colourline.

Now, those letters with a 'hole', like O and a will need another step once the main shape is filled.

[1] Select the filled letter then SHIFT+Select the line that represents the 'hole' and repeat the above steps.
[2] Marquee select the two shapes that represents the letter and press CTR+2

Attached is the result of the above instructions to the first two letters.

[edm3]

Pardon me for jumping in here, but I don't have an END button on this keyboard, and am wondering what it does?

Does this close an open set of curves by chance? Cuz I'd really appreciate that functionality.

Thanks!

[steve.ledger]

The END and HOME keys will select the last (end) or first (start) node of the line.
And yes, once selected pressing ENTER will close the shape.
Do you have a HOME key? Same thing is possible, I just chose the END key

[Evilemil]

thanks for the explanation how to close a path.
interesting concept.

[edm3]

Oh that's excellent news! I may resurrect an external keyboard, as this laptop hasn't got those buttons. Kinda makes me crazy, as I find it difficult finding the start/end of curves in Xara. Solved!

So for anyone else using a macbook pro (or the like) keyboard, the Home/End buttons can be substituted with fn + left arrow/right arrow. http://brokensecrets.com/2011/01/10/...-mac-keyboard/

I do seem to be unable to select both start and end points with any combination of shift/ctrl/alt/etc. Is it simply Home + shift + End on the standard keyboard?

Thanks!

[steve.ledger]

Is it simply Home + shift + End on the standard keyboard?

Yes, as shown in my image above


@mjindustry. Was this of any help to you?