How To Undo Outline In Illustrator: Easy Guide

Undoing outlines in Illustrator is a common challenge for many designers. To undo an outline in Illustrator, simply select the outlined object, go to the “Object” menu, and choose “Path” followed by “Outline Stroke.” Voila! Your outline is now gone, and your object is back to its original form. This quick trick can save you time and frustration when working on your designs. Mastering how to undo outline in Illustrator will streamline your workflow and help you maintain precision in your creations.

How to Undo Outline in Illustrator: Easy Guide


How to Undo Outline in Illustrator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to undo an outline in Illustrator! Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for creating stunning graphics and designs, but sometimes mistakes happen. If you’ve accidentally applied an outline to your object and want to reverse it, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through the various methods you can use to undo an outline in Illustrator.

Understanding Outlines in Illustrator

Before we dive into the steps to undo an outline, let’s first understand what outlines are in Illustrator. An outline, also known as a stroke, is a line that surrounds the edge of an object or text. It can be solid or dashed, with various thickness and color options. Outlines are commonly used to give objects a defined shape or to add emphasis to text.

Why You Might Want to Undo an Outline

There are several reasons why you may want to undo an outline in Illustrator. Perhaps you applied the outline by mistake, or you’ve changed your mind about the design and want to revert to the original look of the object. Whatever the reason may be, knowing how to undo an outline is a valuable skill that every Illustrator user should have.

Method 1: Using the ‘Undo’ Command

The simplest way to undo an outline in Illustrator is by using the ‘Undo’ command. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Click on the object with the applied outline.
  2. Go to the ‘Edit’ menu in the top toolbar.
  3. Select ‘Undo Stroke’ or press ‘Ctrl + Z’ (for Windows) or ‘Cmd + Z’ (for Mac).

By following these steps, you can quickly revert the object back to its original state without the outline.

Method 2: Removing the Outline Manually

If the ‘Undo’ command is not available or doesn’t work for your specific situation, you can remove the outline manually. Here’s how:

  1. Select the object with the outline you want to remove.
  2. Go to the ‘Appearance’ panel.
  3. Locate the stroke (outline) in the panel.
  4. Click on the stroke and press the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard.

This method gives you more control over the removal process and allows you to make adjustments as needed.

Method 3: Reverting to a Previous State

If you’ve made multiple changes to your design and want to go back to a specific point where the outline was not applied, you can revert to a previous state in Illustrator. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the ‘File’ menu and select ‘Revert to Saved’.
  2. Choose the version of the document you want to revert to.
  3. Confirm the action and your document will be restored to the selected state.

This method is useful when you want to undo not only the outline but also other changes made to the design.

Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to undo an outline in Illustrator using various methods. Whether you prefer the quick ‘Undo’ command or the manual removal process, you have the necessary skills to correct any mistakes and enhance your designs with confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment and explore different techniques in Illustrator.


How to Undo Outline in Illustrator

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I remove an outline in Illustrator?

To remove an outline in Illustrator, first, select the object with the outline that you want to remove. Then, go to the “Appearance” panel and click on the stroke attribute. Finally, click on the trash bin icon or set the stroke weight to 0 to effectively remove the outline.

Is there a quick way to revert back if I accidentally added an outline in Illustrator?

If you accidentally added an outline in Illustrator, you can simply press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Command + Z (Mac) to undo the action. This keyboard shortcut allows you to step back through your actions and remove the outline added mistakenly.

Can I turn off outlines for multiple objects at once in Illustrator?

Yes, in Illustrator, you can turn off outlines for multiple objects simultaneously. Simply select all the objects you want to remove the outlines from, then go to the “Appearance” panel and adjust the stroke attribute to remove the outlines from all selected objects at once.

Final Thoughts

To undo an outline in Illustrator, simply select the outlined object, then go to the “Object” menu and choose “Expand Appearance” or “Expand.” This will convert the outlined object back to its original state. Additionally, you can use the “Ctrl + Z” shortcut to undo the outline step by step. Remember, understanding how to undo outline in Illustrator can save time and help maintain the integrity of your designs.