Select and hold the Direct Selection tool, then select the Group Selection tool.
Last updated on
Sep 11, 2025
Learn how to easily select grouped and nested objects in Adobe Illustrator to customize grouped elements within your designs.
Select objects and groups using the Group Selection tool
Select an object within the group.
Select the object again to select its parent group.
Select the object a third time to select more groups that are grouped with the selected group.
Select one or more groups using the Selection tool
Select the Selection tool.
Select an object inside the group or drag across part or all of it to make a selection.
To add or remove a group to the selection, hold Shift and select the group.
Select objects and nested groups with the Selection tool
Select the Selection tool.
Double-click a group to enter isolation mode.
Select deeper objects or nested groups by selecting them again inside isolation mode.
Double-click outside the group to deselect the group.
Tip
To select a single object within a group, use the Group Selection tool, Lasso tool, or Direct Selection tool.
Create designs with Illustrator online (beta)
Create graphics that match your style right in your browser.
