How and Why to Expand Artwork in Illustrator
Learn how to expand vector artwork into editable closed path shapes and view the underlying shapes in preview mode to see actual makeup of the artwork.
In this Illustrator how-to video, Khara Plicanic demonstrates how to expand vector artwork into editable closed path shapes. She explains that sometimes you have the choice to expand the artwork or the appearance—such as effects, stroke styles, etc.—applied to the shapes. Khara then shows how to view the underlying shapes in preview mode to see actual makeup of the artwork.
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This article was last modified on August 29, 2025
This article was first published on June 20, 2024
