Problem changing a shape's color

[writerhoward]

I create a closed shape and color it. Then, later, I want to change the color, so I change the fill color in the Style window.

Then, the problem arises. Sometimes I can select the shape to be changed with the Select Shape tool so I can then change its color. Sometimes I can't.

Sometimes I get this message: "You are about to create a new shape that sits on top of an older one. Would you rather just modify the older shape's color, style, etc.?" I click YES and nothing changes.

What's the best way to change a shape's color? I can't figure out the underlying logic to this task.

Thanks,
Howard

[heyvern]

Very common mistake.

You aren't using the select shape tool you are using the CREATE SHAPE TOOL.

This one got me too in the beginning.

Make sure you use the correct tool.They are right next to each other.
The "first one" is the select shape tool... next to it is the create shape tool. You would use this to select the vectors to create the shape (hitting space).

Once a shape is created you need to use the select shape tool to select that shape... otherwise you might be creating ANOTHER shape on top of the other one... which is why you get that warning message. Sometimes you may want to do this if you want fills and strokes as separate shapes on the same vector paths.

Also depending on the layering of your shapes you may have trouble grabbing them with the shape select tool.

I would reccomend naming the shapes as soon as you create them so you can select them easily.

-Vern

[writerhoward]

Vern,

I am using the Select Shape tool when I try to select the shape.

How do you name a shape?

Howard