Targeting layers, groups, and containers


    The Layers palette makes it easy to change the appearance of artwork. You can apply styles and effects, and set appearance attributes at any level of the layer hierarchy.

    Layers, groups, type, meshes, linked files, bitmap images, blends, envelopes, flares, symbols, symbol sets, and graphs all function as containers in the Appearance palette. When you apply appearance attributes to a container, all artwork in the container takes on these additional attributes. For example, if you apply a drop-shadow effect to a targeted layer, all objects in the layer take on the drop shadow. However, if you move an object out of the layer, that object will no longer have a drop-shadow because the effect belongs to the layer, not to each object within the layer. (See About enhancing the appearance of objects.)

    Before you can set an appearance attribute or apply a style or an effect to a layer, group, or object, you must target the item in the Layers palette. Selecting an object or group using any selection method also targets the object or group in the Layers palette, but layers can only be targeted using the palette.

    Illustration of Shaded target icons in the Layers palette indicate with these callouts: which items contain appearance attributes. A. Targeting and appearance column B. Selection column C. Group with appearance attributes D. Layer with appearance attributes E. Object with appearance attributes
    Shaded target icons in the Layers palette indicate which items contain appearance attributes. A. Targeting and appearance column B. Selection column C. Group with appearance attributes D. Layer with appearance attributes E. Object with appearance attributes

    The target icon indicates whether an item in the layer hierarchy has any appearance attributes and whether it is targeted:

    • Item not targeted but has appearance attributes indicates the item is not targeted and has no appearance attributes beyond a single fill and a single stroke.
    • Item not targeted and has only basic appearance attributes indicates the item is not targeted but has appearance attributes.
    • hollow double ring indicates the item is targeted but has no appearance attributes beyond a single fill and a single stroke.
    • filled double ring indicates the item is targeted and has appearance attributes.

To target an item in the Layers palette:

    Click the item's target icon in the Layers palette. A double ring hollow double ring or filled double ring indicates that the item is targeted. Shift-click to target additional items.

    Note: When an object or group is selected by any method, the item is also targeted in the Layers palette. In contrast, a layer can be targeted only by clicking its target icon in the Layers palette.