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. ![]() 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: To target an item in the Layers palette: Click the item's target icon in the Layers palette. A double ring 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. |