How to convert .eps to editable .ai file

[FrontPage97]

I need to draw cut out lines around a complex illustration so that I can mask out the backgroudn. The problem is that I only have it in .eps. The illustration is well defined on a white background. Is there a way to either automatically create a mask or convert this illustration?

 

[d a v e]

open it in illustrator and then slect and delete the baclground? is that what you're asking?

 

[FrontPage97]

No. It's all one layer. I would like to be able to work with all of the vector shapes. Not sure if that's possible. At the very least I'd like to be able to easily create a vector mask around it so that I can effectively delete the background.

 

[FrontPage97]

Nevermind. I figured it out. Only the direct selection tool works with this .eps file. The selection tool does not work.

 

[chrishirst]

use a colour select tool,
select the background,
invert the selection,
copy and paste.