Select Window > Separations Preview to open the panel.
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Get started
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Learn the basics
- Illustrator on desktop technical requirements
- Supported file formats
- Homescreen overview
- Show or hide the homescreen
- Workspace overview
- Modify workspaces
- Manage workspaces
- Switch between the workspace and the homescreen
- Properties panel overview
- Set properties with precise values
- Control panel overview
- Contextual Task Bar overview
- Discover panel overview
- Learn faster with the Discover panel
- Optimize your system for Illustrator
- Supported file formats in Adobe Illustrator
- Pixel preview mode for web graphics
- Create and manage Creative Cloud Libraries
- Creative Cloud Libraries in Illustrator
- Share and collaborate on Creative Cloud Libraries
- Document Info panel
- Touch workspace in Illustrator
- Undo edits and manage design history
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App preferences and settings
- Set app preferences
- Customize keyboard shortcuts
- Find custom keyboard shortcut files
- Export keyboard shortcuts list as a text document
- Delete keyboard shortcuts
- Accessibility features in Adobe Illustrator
- Create accessible content in Adobe Illustrator
- Set up screen reader support
- MacBook Pro Touch Bar in Illustrator overview
- Illustrator controls and contextual operations in MacBook Pro Touch Bar
- Use Microsoft surface dial in Illustrator
- Microsoft Surface Dial controls in Illustrator
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Learn the basics
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Add and import files
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Start new files
- New Document dialog overview
- Create documents using presets
- Create and save custom document presets
- Create documents using blank templates
- Create files with large canvases
- Create documents using templates from Adobe Stock
- Rotate canvas view
- Create and share projects in Adobe Illustrator
- Access projects in the Adobe Illustrator workspace and other apps
- Find and edit Adobe Express templates
- Search projects and files using semantic search in Illustrator
- Create a custom new document profile
- Large canvas FAQ
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Import from other apps
- Place linked Photoshop documents
- Move paths from Photoshop to Illustrator
- Move part of an image from Photoshop to Illustrator
- Photoshop import options
- Place and edit images generated on the Adobe Firefly website
- Fix the file is not readable error with PSD files
- Links Information panel reference
- Links panel in Illustrator
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Import other file types
- Import Adobe PDF files
- Place Adobe PDF files
- Import AutoCAD files
- Import monotone, duotone, and tritone images from Adobe PDF files
- Import DCS files
- Fix HEIF file import errors on Windows
- EPS and DCS file import in Illustrator
- AutoCAD file import compatibility and options
- Import and export text
- Place multiple files in a document
- Manage project files
- Manage linked and embedded files
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Start new files
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Use generative AI
- Common questions about generative AI features in Adobe Illustrator
- Partner models in Adobe Illustrator
- Generate scenes, subjects, and icons
- Use Auto Select
- Generate similar variations without text prompts
- Generate patterns
- Manage pattern variations
- Edit generated patterns
- Generate shape fills
- Scenarios with repeat shape fill generation
- Recolor artwork with text prompts
- Generate vector graphics to expand artwork
- Options to expand the expanded artwork
- Generate print bleed
- Generate content to expand images
- View 2D objects from new angles
- Remove background from images
- When to use Turntable and 3D
- Generate vector artwork from raster images
- Manage generated variations
- Scenarios with linked variations
- Edit generated artwork using prompts
- Generate, rewrite, proofread, and translate text
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Draw shapes and paths
- Learn drawing basics
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Draw shapes
- Draw lines
- Draw arcs
- Draw stars
- Draw spirals
- Draw freeform paths with the Pencil tool
- Draw straight lines with the Pencil tool
- Extend paths with the Pencil tool
- Reshape paths with the Pencil tool
- Connect two paths with the Pencil tool
- Pencil tool options
- Draw shapes with the Curvature tool
- Draw curves with the Pen tool
- Draw line segments with the Pen tool
- Draw curves followed by straight lines
- Draw straight lines followed by curves
- Draw two curved segments connected by a corner
- Preview the path
- Create shapes with the Shaper tool
- Shape Builder tool options
- Draw and edit flares
- Draw rectangular and polar grids
- Modify live shapes
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Modify paths
- Create smooth paths with the Smooth tool
- Refine path segments with the Smooth slider
- Select and edit path segments
- Select anchor points to modify paths
- Convert anchor points on a path
- Average the position of the anchor points
- Add or remove anchor points
- Turn off automatic addition or deletion of anchor points
- Find and delete stray anchor points
- Copy paths
- Auto simplify paths
- Manually simplify paths
- Simplify paths advanced options overview
- Simplify path benefits
- Cut paths
- Erase paths using the Eraser tool
- Erase parts of a path
- Adjust path smoothness
- Refine paths in Illustrator using Anchor Point and Smooth tools
- Adjust path segments
- Connect and join paths
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Manage objects
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Select objects
- Object selection methods and preferences
- Select objects
- Select objects by characteristics
- Select objects enclosed in a marquee
- Select object groups and nested object groups
- Select faces and edges in Live Paint groups
- Group or ungroup objects
- Isolate objects
- Save object selections
- Select objects using layers and nested selection
- Select objects using the Magic Wand tool
- Select objects
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Arrange objects
- Move objects
- Move multiple objects at once
- Move objects by specific distances
- Move or duplicate an object by pasting
- Paste an object relative to other objects
- Align or distribute selected objects
- Distribute objects by specific distances
- Expand objects
- Rotate objects
- Rotate multiple objects individually
- Rotate objects by specific angles
- Reflect or flip objects
- Reflect objects along an axis
- Attach and align objects to a path
- Rearrange and edit objects on a path
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Edit objects
- Divide or split objects
- Cut objects using the Knife and Scissors tools
- Duplicate objects
- Create duplicate objects using Offset Path
- Edit similar objects
- Edit groups with similar objects
- About clipping masks
- Create clipping masks
- Edit clipping masks
- Add, remove, or release objects from clipping masks
- Hide parts of objects with clipping masks
- Copy artwork using the clipboard
- Crop images in Illustrator
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Reshape and transform objects
- Pathfinder panel overview
- Edit areas of overlapping objects with Pathfinder
- Create compound shapes with Pathfinder
- Create compound paths
- Transform objects
- Transform panel overview
- Scale objects
- Scale multiple objects
- Distort object
- Distort objects with envelopes
- Edit the contents of envelopes
- Envelope panel options
- Shear objects
- Intertwine objects
- About perspective drawing
- Draw objects in perspective
- Perspective grid options
- Define and manage perspective grid preset
- Move the perspective grid and adjust its vanishing points
- Adjust grid cell size and grid extent
- Adjust horizon heights and grid planes
- Adjust the perspective grid and the active plane widget
- Create shapes using the Shape Builder tool
- Draw and modify objects on the perspective grid
- Distort and transform effects in Illustrator
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Create traces, mockups, and symbols
- Vectorize images using Image Trace
- Image Trace panel options
- Edit tracing results
- Save custom tracing presets
- Create mockups for images
- Edit mockups
- Save mockups as templates
- Create and place symbols
- Symbols panel options
- Edit symbols
- Create or import symbol libraries
- Maintain proportions while scaling symbols
- Transform symbols
- Image Trace presets
- Image Trace best practices and limitations
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Select objects
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Measure and align
- Use grids and guides
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Measure and plot
- Measure the distance between two points
- Measure the area of objects
- Area measurement scenarios
- About Dimension objects
- Plot the linear dimensions of objects
- Plot the angular dimensions of objects
- Plot radial dimensions of objects
- Dimension tool options and settings
- Snap a line perpendicular to a path in Illustrator
- Snap a line tangent to a curve in Illustrator
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Paint and fill
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Learn painting basics
- About fills and strokes
- Fill and stroke controls
- Apply fill colors
- Apply stroke colors
- Create multiple fills and strokes
- Convert strokes to compound paths
- Remove fills or strokes
- Select objects with same fill and stroke
- Paint tools overview
- Merge paths using the Blob Brush tool
- Blob brush options and best practices
- About Live Paint
- Create Live Paint groups
- Paint with the Live Paint Bucket tool
- Modify Live Paint groups
- Find and close gaps in Live Paint groups
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Apply and edit strokes
- About brushes
- Brushes panel overview
- Draw paths with brush strokes
- Apply brush strokes to paths
- Remove brush strokes
- Add arrowheads to paths
- Customize arrowheads
- Paintbrush tool options
- Create brush libraries
- Import brushes
- Create brushes
- Create dotted or dashed lines
- Modify brushes
- Change the caps or joins of a line
- Convert brush strokes to outlines
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Create and edit gradients
- Gradients overview
- Apply predefined gradients
- Apply linear gradients
- Apply radial gradients
- Apply freeform gradients
- Apply gradients on stroke
- Apply gradients across multiple objects
- Control dither in gradients
- Control perceptual interpolation in gradients
- Fix banding when printing gradients, meshes, and blends
- Create and edit meshes
- Create and edit patterns
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Learn painting basics
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Manage colors
- Learn color basics
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Select and adjust colors
- About selecting colors
- Color Picker overview
- Select colors using the Color Picker
- Color panel options
- Select colors using the Color panel
- Convert color modes
- Make colors printable or web safe
- Change colors to their inverse or complement
- Get precise spot colors using lab values
- Adjust saturation of multiple colors
- Adjust color balance
- Blend colors
- Change color tints
- Select colors using the Eyedropper and Color Picker tool
- Print with color management in Illustrator
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Use swatches
- About Swatches
- Swatches panel overview
- Add colors to swatches
- Create swatches from the Color Guide panel
- Create process color swatches
- Create spot-color swatches
- Create gradient swatches
- Reorder swatches
- Duplicate swatches
- Replace, merge, or delete swatches
- Group swatches
- Move colors into swatch groups
- Create and open swatch libraries
- Edit swatch libraries
- Move swatches from swatch libraries to the swatches panel
- Share swatches between applications
- Add and use color assets in libraries
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Modify colors
- Recolor artwork
- Recolor options overview
- Edit colors using Edit Colors dialog
- Modify colors in swatch groups
- Apply local or global changes to color properties
- Assign new colors to selected artworks
- View original colors in artworks
- Limit colors in artworks
- Color reduction options
- Edit swatch groups using the color wheel
- Add or remove colors from swatch groups
- Edit an individual color in color groups
- Delete swatch groups
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Apply transparency and blending
- Transparency panel overview
- Adjust opacity
- Opacity mask overview
- Adjust transparency using opacity masks
- Clip and invert opacity masks
- Deactivate, reactivate, or remove opacity masks
- Create knockout shapes
- Create transparency knockout groups
- View transparency in the artwork
- Blended objects overview
- Blending mode types
- Change and manage blending modes
- Create blends
- Blend Options overview
- Modify the spine of blended objects
- Reverse the stacking order in blended objects
- Release or expand blended objects
- Blend panel overview
- Set up and manage overprinting
- Flatten and print transparent artwork
- Manage transparency flattener presets
- Preview transparency flattening before printing or exporting
- Transparency flattening in Illustrator
- Transparency flattener options
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Design with text
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Add and manage text
- Add or remove placeholder text
- Wrap or unwrap text around objects
- Resize the text area
- Add rows and columns to text
- Add margins to text and adjust the first baseline
- Create text threads between objects
- Remove or break text threads between objects
- Add text to vector artwork
- Add text in Illustrator with Type, Area Type, and Touch Type tools
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Work with fonts and scripts
- Font browser overview
- Find and apply fonts
- Organize fonts using Creative Cloud Libraries in Adobe Illustrator
- Apply the fonts organized in Creative Cloud Libraries
- Find, apply, and adjust variable fonts
- Supported font file types in Adobe Illustrator
- Edit fonts
- Find and replace fonts
- Preview, add, or replace missing fonts
- Edit text without replacing missing fonts
- Identify fonts using Retype
- Apply Retype-suggested fonts to live text
- About Adobe Asian composers
- Justify text using Kashida and hyphenation
- Format Japanese text in Illustrator
- Mojikumi and Kinsoku settings in Illustrator
- Mojikumi and Kinsoku overview for Japanese text formatting
- Create documents using Asian scripts
- Add and use text and character styles in libraries
- Fonts in Illustrator FAQ
- Change the default font in Illustrator
- Manage East Asian text layouts with Reflow Viewer
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Edit and format text
- Character panel overview
- Transform text
- Underline or strikethrough text
- Change case and capitalization styles
- Adjust kerning and tracking
- Vary font height
- Turn fractional character widths off or on
- Paragraph panel overview
- Align text
- Adjust word and letterspacing in justified text
- Indent text
- Adjust paragraph spacing
- Create bulleted or numbered lists
- Move or flip text
- Adjust text alignment and spacing on paths
- Apply effects to text on paths
- Create superscripts and subscripts
- Use Smart Punctuation and set quote styles
- Create and edit character and paragraph styles
- Create type on a path
- Format East Asian characters in vertical text
- Use Kinsoku for Japanese line breaking
- Use Mojikumi for Japanese text composition
- Set hyphenation and line breaks
- Adjust line and character spacing
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Use special characters and glyphs
- About character sets and alternate glyphs
- Insert special characters
- Glyphs panel overview
- Replace characters with alternate glyphs
- OpenType panel overview
- Use ligatures and contextual alternates
- Use swashes, titling alternates, or stylistic alternates
- Add stylistic sets to selected text
- Insert white space and break characters
- Snap to Glyph options
- Snap with glyph guides
- Snap glyph to angles, anchor points, or text area
- Format text with OpenType features
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Add and manage text
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Create and manage artboards
- Add and edit artboards
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Organize and manage artboards
- Use the artboard context menu
- Cut, copy, and paste artboards
- Move artboards
- Rearrange artboards
- Reorder artboards
- Align and distribute artboards
- Lock artboards
- Modify display settings of artboards
- Set artboard views
- Apply colors to artboards
- Set video display options for artboards
- Export selected artboards
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Manage layers
- Create and organize layers
- Lock and hide layers
- Apply and modify layer effects
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Apply special effects and styles
- Apply filter effects
- Create 3D graphics
- Apply graphic styles
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Automate and visualize data
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Automate actions
- Actions panel overview
- Create new actions
- Insert non-recordable tasks into actions
- Insert stops in actions
- Exclude commands from actions
- Specify playback speed
- Add commands to actions
- Re-record actions
- Manage a set of actions
- Play actions on a batch of files
- Batch options
- Install and run scripts
- Merge data
- Set up data source files
- Import data source files
- Variable panel overview
- Work with variables
- Edit dynamic objects
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Visualize data
- Data sets and label options
- Create graphs
- Add graph data
- Add graph labels and data sets
- Adjust decimal digits and column width
- Format columns, bars, and lines
- Select parts of a graph
- Change graph types
- Change graph value axes
- Assign different scales to value axes
- Change the position of legend in graphs
- Combine different graph types
- Add drop shadows to graphs
- Apply marker designs to graphs
- Format pie graphs
- Format graph text
- Reuse graph designs
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Automate actions
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Save and export
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Export files to different formats
- Export to Adobe cloud storage
- Export for screens
- Manage native Adobe Illustrator AI file sizes
- Change page size and orientation for printing
- Illustrator cloud documents
- Create and save Illustrator cloud documents
- Organize and manage Illustrator cloud documents
- Manage cloud document version history
- Work with cloud documents offline
- Save and export Adobe PDF files
- Adobe PDF presets
- Extract CSS code from Illustrator designs
- Export artwork from Illustrator
- Export file format options in Illustrator
- PDF compression and downsampling options
- Package files with fonts and linked images
- PDF marks, bleeds, and color output options
- PDF security and password options in Illustrator
- PDF/X standards, compatibility, and general options
- Add printer's marks and bleeds
- Create and manage print presets
- Print color separations
- Save artwork in EPS format
- Save files in the background
- Set up PostScript printing
- Save artwork in Illustrator AI format
- Export to other apps
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Export files to different formats
- Connect with other apps and tools
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Troubleshoot
- Known and fixed issues in Adobe Illustrator
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Application crash issues
- Recover Adobe Illustrator files after a crash
- Quick save, auto-backup, and recovery settings
- Illustrator won’t launch after Windows update
- GPU features are unavailable, artwork appears jagged, or Illustrator crashes
- Illustrator crash due to plugin issues
- Fix Illustrator crash issues
- Fix memory-related crash issues in Illustrator
- Fix network and removable media file issues
- Fix slowness with pasting artwork
- "An unknown error is detected" when saving Illustrator files
- Fix Wacom device crashes and performance issues in Adobe Illustrator
- Repair damaged Adobe Illustrator documents
- Share crash reports with Adobe
- Update GPU drivers for Illustrator
- Fix missing plugin issues in Adobe Illustrator
- Fix the preferences folder read-only error
- Troubleshoot file opening and placement issues
- Fix file save issues in Illustrator
- Fix preferences file issues in Illustrator
- Fix printer-related Illustrator crash issues
- Fix issues printing to non-PostScript printers
- Fix effects that won't render in Illustrator
- Fix DLL errors when launching Illustrator on Windows
- Resolve Image Trace command not available
- Use Safe Mode to diagnose startup crashes
- Cloud document issues
- Use AI Assistant in Illustrator
Preview color separations
Last updated on
Oct 25, 2026
Use the Separations Preview panel to check spot colors, rich black, and overprinting before sending files to print.
Previewing color separations on your screen helps you catch potential printing issues before sending your artwork to a commercial printer, saving time and avoiding costly errors.
The Separations Preview panel simulates how your artwork will separate into individual ink plates during the printing process. This preview is essential for identifying rich black areas (process black mixed with color inks) and verifying how overprinting, blending, and transparency will appear in final output. The panel works only in CMYK document mode. For RGB documents, convert to CMYK mode first by selecting File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color.
To understand how color separations work in professional printing, see Color separations. When you're ready to output your artwork, see Print color separations.
Preview individual separations
Select Overprint Preview in the panel to enable separation preview mode.
To hide an individual ink, click the eye icon next to the separation name in the list.
To view only one separation, Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) the eye icon next to that separation name.
To restore visibility to all separations, Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) the eye icon again.
To view all process color plates (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) together, click the CMYK icon in the panel.
To return to normal view, deselect Overprint Preview.
While the Separations Preview panel accurately shows how inks will separate and how overprinting will appear, it doesn't preview trapping, printer's marks, halftone screens, or resolution settings. Work with your commercial printer to verify these settings using physical proofs.
Note
Setting inks to visible or hidden in the Separations Preview panel affects only your on-screen preview. These visibility settings don't change which separations print. Objects on hidden layers aren't included in the preview.
Design with precision in Illustrator
Bring your ideas to life with vector graphics tools built for creative freedom and accuracy.
