how to deselect all vector lines in order to edit singular paths?

Question

I imported a raster image into Illustrator. Using Image Trace in 3 Color I created vector lines to laser cut the image on plexi glass. I need to edit the individual lines and I can only select ALL of the vector lines from the image. How can I simply deselect the entire image to allow each path to be selected individually?

Answer 1

• Option 1: Possibly Object > Ungroup
• Option 2: Possibly Object > Compound Path > Release -- This may, however, cause "holes' or "counters" to become filled shapes.
• Option 3: Possibly Pathfinder Panel > Merge Button then Object > Ungroup

• Option 4: Use the Direct Selection Tool (white arrow) to select individual anchors and paths in a group

• Option 5: You can also unselect all via Command/Ctrl+Shift+A -- but it really sounds like you need option 1 or 4.

You also need to click the Expand button on the Control bar across the top of the screen after tracing an image.

Answer 2

This sounds crazy, but here is how I do what you need. Select a single path with the Open Arrow (not the Closed Arrow) icon. This tool may be enough for you to simply select a small part of the whole. But you may want to select more of the path. In that case, while "the small part" is selected (whether a point or a line), copy and paste. Without deselecting the pasted part, click an Undo. The Undo will return to your original path except this time the ENTIRE path is fully selected.