select all smaller objects touching another larger object?

[Sean_Tubridy@adobeforums.com]

Hello,

I'm trying to create a graphic made out of hundreds of smaller paths. Basically, I have 2 layers. One has a vector world map and the other has hundreds of tiny circles all perfectly aligned in rows. What I'm trying to do is select only the circles that touch the map and eliminate the ones that don't so I'm left with a world map graphic made up of tiny circles. Don't ask why! Well, I could 1. select the circles by tracing the outline of the map as a guide but that would take too long (too much detail). I could also use the pathfinder and subtract them. The problem with the pathfinder is that it will cut the circles along the edges of the map - I want whole circles left with no cut edges. Anybody have any idea how to do this? I hope I was clear about what I was trying to do. In essence, I'm trying to select one object and get all the smaller objects that touch it to be selected as well. It seems like it should be easy but I can't figure it out. Thanks.

[Gary_Newman@adobeforums.com]

You ask a very good question, Sean, and I'm stumped. Essentially, what you want (if I understand you correctly) is to have one path (the map outline) act as a selector, so it selects all the objects it overlaps. My thought was to use the map shape to apply color to the group of circles, then elect just the circles. But it also cuts the circles where the shape edge goes through it.

Anybody else have any ideas? Is it even possible? Teri Pettit?

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

I think I know a way use the map to mask a series of lines and a apply a brush of dots to those lines as matter of fact I guess it could be any shape. Before applying the brush expand the compound thing with the lines or use the pathfinder to chop the lines to the shape of the map.

[Sean_Tubridy@adobeforums.com]

Thanks for the responses guys. Gary, you are right on. I want one object to select others it overlaps. That's the best way to describe it. I tried saving the map selection and applying it to the circles but that didn't work. There is also a "select underneath" option, but it unfortunately only selects one out of the hundreds of circles. What I really need is a "select all underneath" option. In some 3d programs, there is a "select connected" option that selects all polygons that are touching the selected one. I wish I could do that here. I found myself looking for this option at first, forgetting what program I was in!
Wade, while I think I know what you mean, I want to be able to apply this to not only circles, but other shapes and type as well so unfortunately that won't work - but thanks.
I'll keep trying! Adobe, if your reading this, add it to your features request list please. I'm sure it could come in handy for something!
Sean

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

It does work because you can make brushes with other shapes and type as well?

[Kurt_Gold@adobeforums.com]

Sean,

as there is not the selection option you searched for, try this workaround:

- First group the circles, duplicate the circle layer and hide/lock it

- Select the shape (let's say a triangle) and all the circles behind and take Pathfinder's "add"

- Expand the compound shape. Now you got a compound path that must be released. Delete the circles and cut the shape (former triangle)

- Unlock/unhide the copy of the circle layer and paste the shape in front (Strg+F)

- Select all and make a compound shape

- Select the shape (former triangle) with the white arrow and push Pathfinder's "intersection of shapes" (as I do not know if that is a correct translation, it is the third button in the first line of the palette)

- Expand it if you like

That should be your desired result.

Sincerely

Kurt Gold

[Gary_Newman@adobeforums.com]

Excellent, Kurt. I knew it could be done. However, it only works for me with a slight modification to your instructions.

Toward the end, you say-

"- Select all and make a compound shape"

Doesn't work if I do this. What works for me is, before pasting the shape in front, compound the group of circles. Then paste in front. Then select all and apply the Pathfinder Intersect command.

[Kurt_Gold@adobeforums.com]

Gary,

that's funny, for me it worked…
However, what you describes works, too :-)

I found out that Pathfinder behaves mysterious sometimes if you feed him with too many objects…

Kurt Gold