Select the Selection tool from the tool panel.
Last updated on
10 February 2026
Learn how to select and isolate faces, edges, or original paths in a Live Paint group for precise editing.
While working on a complex artwork, you can isolate a Live Paint group so that it's easy to select the exact face or edge you want. Choose a selection tool depending on what you want to modify in a Live Paint group.
Select Live Paint groups
Select Object > Live Paint group to expand or release to break apart a Live Paint image.
Select faces and edges
Select the Live Paint Selection tool from the tool panel. The Live Paint Selection tool pointer changes based on what it’s hovering over:
- To the face pointer when it’s positioned over a face
- To the edge pointer when it’s positioned over an edge
- To the dot-and-square pointer when it’s positioned outside of a Live Paint group
To select an individual face or edge, select a face or edge. For more precise control, you can perform multiple types of selections in the Live Paint group:
- Select an individual face or edge: Click on a face or edge
- Select multiple faces and edges (including partial selections): Drag a marquee around the items
- Select all contiguous faces not separated by a painted edge: Double-click a face
- Select all faces or edges with the same Fill or Stroke: Triple-click a face
- Add to or remove from the current selection: Shift-click or Shift-drag a marquee
- Select all faces or edges with the same fill or stroke using the menu: Select an item, then go to Select > Same > Fill Color / Stroke Color / Stroke Weight
Select an original path within Live Paint groups
Select the Direct Selection tool from the tool panel.
Select a path inside the Live Paint group to make changes in Live Paint group.
