Edit image trace results

Last updated on Sep 11, 2025

Learn how to expand, ungroup, simplify, and color traced image results.

To edit a trace result like any other vector object, you must expand it. Once expanded, you can't adjust the tracing options:

Select the trace result on the canvas using the Selection tool.

Select Expand in the Image Trace panel. Expand converts the result into editable paths that are grouped.

The canvas displays a trace result and Image Trace panel with highlighted Expand option among others.
Select Expand to convert the result into editable paths.

Edit the paths as required:

  • Double-click the traced group to enter isolation mode to edit without ungrouping.
  • Select Ungroup in the Contextual Task Bar to edit paths individually.
Tip

Select Object > Path > Simplify to remove excess anchor points.

Select the paths, then select Object > Live Paint > Make to convert them into a Live Paint group.