How can I simplify this design to make it a two-color object

Question

I purchased a vector file from a stock vector website, thinking it would be easy to edit.

However, when I opened it, the layers were a mess.

I would like it to be just two objects - a white vector object and a blue vector object, without any clipping masks or hidden layers.

My goal is to use either the left or the right side or both sides of the image as a transparent vector image over a background, spaced out to have elements in the middle.

Is there a simple way to do this in Illustrator?

Answer 1

• Select All
• Click the Merge button on the Pathfinder Panel

If you want just white and blue objects, you're done at this point. But... if you want just blue objects continue... (I would want just blue.. then I can manually add a simple white rectangle behind the blue if necessary.)

• Use the Direct Selection Tool (White Arrrow) to click a white object
• Choose Select > Same > Fill and Stroke
• Hit the Delete Key

You'll be left with some minor issues which you'll have to manually correct. Random paths which join pieces causing a sliver of blue to show. This is due to original construction and slight misalignment of some objects. See below...

_{(Note file is generated by some bleeding-edge version of Illustrator. I can't open the original file here. Opened in Acrobat, saved as PDF then opened that PDF in AICS6 and AICC2017. Not sure why anyone saves an EPS as the bleeding-edge version. :) )}