Once you have instances on the page, you can edit the symbols and those edits create changes in all the instances of the symbol.
Once you create a symbol, you edit the graphics that are used in the symbol in the Symbol window
To open the Symbol window:
Select the instance of the symbol you want to edit.
Choose Modify > Symbol > Edit Symbol.
or
Double-click the Preview Area of the Symbol in the Library.
or
Double-click the icon of the Symbol in the Library.
or
With the symbol selected in the Library, choose Edit from the Library submenu.
To make changes in the Symbol window:
In the Symbol window, use any of the tools or commands to modify the object.
Click the Auto-Update option to see the changes in the document window as you make the changes to the symbol.
Close the Symbol window. The changes are applied to all instances.
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You can tell you're working in the Symbol window by the following clues:
o The name of the symbol follows the document name in the title bar
o A symbol icon appears in the title bar.
Recognizing InstancesUnfortunately there is little difference between the appearance of instances and ordinary artwork. Here are a few ways to tell if you have selected the instance of a symbol: An instance of a symbol displays no options for either fill or stroke in the inspectors or the Tools panel. You can't select any of the points of an instance with the Subselect tool. |
The Two Types of SymbolsAs mentioned earlier, master pages are actually a type of symbol. Although master pages are created using the Document inspector, they are stored in the Library with the other symbols. The artwork for brushes are also symbols. However, they can be edited and replaced just like the graphic symbols you create yourself. |
Although you can't edit an instance, you can release it so that it is an ordinary graphic.
To release an instance:
Select the instance.
Choose Modify > Symbol > Release Instance. This converts the symbol into an ordinary graphic.
You can also have ordinary artwork replace a symbol in the Library.
To replace a symbol:
Create the new artwork for the symbol.
Drag the artwork onto the name of the original symbol. An alert dialog box is displayed
Click one of the following buttons:
o New Symbol creates a new symbol from the artwork dragged into the Library.
o Replace changes the original symbol to the new artwork. All instances of the symbol are also changed.
o Convert changes the original symbol to the new artwork. All instances of the original symbol are converted into ordinary graphics.
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When one symbol replaces another, the new instances inherit any transformations previously applied
To delete a symbol:
Click the name of the symbol.
Click the Remove Symbol (trash can) icon in the Library.
or
Choose Remove from the Library menu. If the symbol is in use an alert appears
Choose one of the following from the alert dialog box:
o Convert/Release changes all instances into ordinary art.
o Delete removes the symbol and its instances.
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