Select faces, edges, and paths in Live Paint groups

Last updated on Sep 11, 2025

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 the Selection tool from the tool panel.

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
The Live Paint Selection tool is highlighted in the tool panel, among other tools such as Shape Builder tool and Live paint Bucket tool.
Select faces and edges of a Live Paint group with the Live Paint Selection tool.

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.