Compound Path to Shape

I have a questions about creating a single shape from a compound path. I have a grid of lines I created using the pen tool, made the stroke 25pt, then went Object-Path- Outline Stroke to make them into shapes. From there I used the pathfinder-Unite to create a compound shape. What I'm trying to do is get all the area within the 25pt stroke outline as a single shape with nothing in between the grid lines I made. Is there a way to accomplish this?

So the layer panel shows this as a "compound shape" (not "compound path") and there are still crossing lines in outline view?
In the pathfinder panel you need to hit "Expand", which will then turn it into a compound path.
You don't need a compound shape to get a hole. A compound path can also create holes.

Similar Messages

Compound path text & shape mode problem

Hi there,
I'm working with some text that I've outlined and converted to a compound path. Then I'm applying a subtractive shape mode onto, but I'm noticing that it's actually changing the weight of the type. Can someone tell me why this is happening & perhaps suggest how I can retain the weight after applying the subtraction please? Thanks!

I could possibly use a opacity mask, you're right, but I'd still like to know what the reasoning is behind the change in weight is when I outline text -> convert to a compound path -> subtraction shape mode. Strange thing is, is that it's happened to one set of letters & not another set of the same font done in I think the same way
Thanks rcraiqhead however for the suggestion.

Undo Pathfinder - 'Unite (Alt-click to create a Compound Path and Add to Shape Area)

Hey,
I am new to Illustrator and I am trying to 'release' a compound path, back into the original objects. (A body shape, including the torso, arms and legs). I can't seem to get it to work. There is no option in the Pathfinder tab as a lot of sources say, and I cannot go to Object>Paths>Release as no option exists at all. I am using CS5.
If you need more information please ask. Can anyone help?
Fleur

Here you go. See the white version, I want the body to go back to being like that. To get to the selected shape I clicked the 'Unite...bla bla' button and it combined them all.
(By the way, I am following a tutorial - they do not really specify the steps very clearly...obviously).

Compound Shapes vs. Compound Paths

Hello all,
I have to give a presentation on paths and the pathfinder, and one of the topics I wish to cover are compound paths/compound shapes. I myself do not really know the fundamental difference. I have been searching all over the Internet for a basic difference between these two, but I can't seem to find any solid answer.
Can anyone clarify this a little better for me?
How would these even be useful while working in Illustrator?
I am running Illustrator CS4 on a Mac.
Thanks in advance.

You are confusing yourself with the feature labels.
Don't think of Compuond Shapes as being parallel to Compound Paths. Think of them simply as the four basic area combination routines (union, subtract, intesect, difference) applied as a live effect instead of as "nailed down" destructive change.
Most commonly, combining 2 or more paths into a Compound Path is to create a closed path that has a "hole" in it (exclude). That's just one of the four kinds of combinations that can be created as Compound Shapes, and which may or may not result in a Compund Path (if expanded).
JET

Compound path with multiple shapes question

Sorry, I have read the answers on this board but its just not working for me.
If you can imagine a film reel. I have a large circle with 5 circles within. I simply cannot get it to do what I want, which is the five circles within to 'punch through' the base circle.
I have the base circle at the back, and selected all to creat compound path, this just causes the fronter most circle to punch through, turning the other four circles the same colour as the back ground circles.
Have played with the path finders etc and not getting to a resolution. I gave up and purchased the vector on vectorstock, this one works perfectly and as far as I can work out mine is give or take identical, so why is the compound path not taking?
Illustrator CC latest and macbook retina with 10.10

just to be clear, you start off with this (orange circle behind, all objects separate):
and then you select all, hit ctrl+8 or Make Compound path or whatever, and you end up with something other than this?

Help needed to make a compound path of text in rectangle

Hello, I hope some one will really solve my problem.
Im trying to make a compound path (text inside a rectangle). I had done this previously with success but now the whole shape and text is showing same color. Although text should be transparent! And now due to the similarity in colors i cannot see any font.
I don't know why this is happening?
I made outlines of text, ungrouped it, released their compound paths, placed all fonts and rectangle in seperated layer and then made it a compound path.
Please let me know if im following all the steps.
Also, please forgive my bad English as im not native.

adobied,
As you know now, Larry answered the Compound question while you were still typing.
We do have quite a few cross postings in this busy forum, especially at this time of day with natives present both over there and over here.
You can use Opacity Masks for a whole range of purposes, and they can act as (inverted) Clipping Masks, and also for partial/varying transparency.
In this case, the suggested use corresponds to an inverted Clipping Mask.
I quite understand your wish to have the Compound under control, and I believe that is sorted with the advice from Larry.

Can't release compound path

I drew some simple paths in Photoshop with the pen tool, then exported the paths to Illustrator. All the paths came into illustrator as compound paths, though they look like simple paths in illustrator. Because they are compound paths, I can't join the ends of the paths to the ends of other paths.
Whe I select one of these paths:
Object>Compound Path>Release is greyed out and unavailable.
"Release Compound Shape" in the Pathfinde palette menu is also greyed out and unavailable.
Is there any way to make these paths back into simple paths without redrawing them?
I'm using CS6 versions of both Photoshop and Illustrator.

Okay, here's the screen shot.

Compound Path - determine winding rules

I have a compound path, and i need to parse all points, for export to CANVAS HTML , for this I wrote this script:
But the problem is how to detect the holes. I find information, and i think that i need the fill rule or clockwise fill, but in the reference doesn't exist.
Somebody can help me. Thanks
Compound Path fill rules: http://forums.adobe.com/message/4507598?tstart=0#4507598
Nonzero winding fill rule
Uses mathematical equations to determine if a point is outside or inside a shape. Illustrator uses the nonzero winding rule as the default rule.
Even-odd fill rule
Uses mathematical equations to determine if a point is outside or inside a shape. This rule is the more predictable rule because every other region within an even‑odd compound path is a hole, regardless of path direction. Some applications, such as Adobe Photoshop, use the even‑odd rule by default, so compound paths imported from these applications will use the even‑odd rule.
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/illustrator/cs/using/WS714a382cdf7d304e7e07d0100196cbc5f-6462a .html#WS714a382cdf7d304e7e07d0100196cbc5f-644ea
http://www.fireworkszone.com/tuts/476/fill_rules.pdf
/*bool*/ Polygon.prototype.collideShapes = function(/*Polygon*/ _poly)
// Ret. TRUE if the shapes intersect
// slow method
try {
     this.intersectPath(_poly);
     app.activeDocument.undo();
     return(true);
catch(ex)
     return(false);
var selection = app.activeDocument.selection;
var a= selection[0]
var b= selection[1]
//alert( a.collideShapes(b))
function inArray(agulla, paller){
    var length = paller.length;
    for(var i = 0; i < length; i++) {
        if(paller[i] == agulla) return true;
    return false;
var item = app.activeDocument.selection;
var items = item[0].releaseCompoundPath();
var restantes = items;
var groups={}
var i = items.length;
//          while( i-- )
for (var i=0;i< items.length;i++)
                    a = items[i];
                    try{
                    $.writeln( items[i].LocalDisplaySetting          )
                    }catch(e){$.writeln( e)}
for (var s=0;s< restantes.length;s++){
var b = restantes[s]
if(a!=b){
if(inArray(b, restantes)== true){
try{
if(a.collideShapes(b)){
if(typeof groups[i]== "undefined"){
groups[i]=[]
groups[i].push(i)
groups[i].push(s)
restantes[i]= "void";
items[i]= "void";
restantes[s]= "void";
items[s]= "void";
catch(e){}
app.activeDocument.undo();
for (var t=0;t< restantes.length;t++){
if(restantes[t]!= "void")
$.writeln ( "_" + t +",");
for(var g in groups){
var group = groups[g]
$.writeln ("var compoundPath = new CompoundPath( _" + group.join(", _") +").fillColor = 'red';");

I just want all inner shape and overlapping shape areas to be considered the composite fill of the compound shape - so in my example above, the three red rectangles lacking a centerpoint I want to contribute to compound path's composite fill, instead of knocking it out.
BTW, that example up there has a big outer stroke, no fill. Maybe confusing, but that's how I'm currently using the shape (to mask the outsides of 3 different designs).

Compound path envelope disort - urgent - please help!

So, I really need to do a "car of the year" type of badge in illustrator.
I have the flags vector (grouped) and the hallow circle created whith the shape builder tool as a compound path. (see image).
And now, the obvoius problem. The only thing I could think of to achieve this result wast the envelope disort tool - make with top object. But then, ctrl-alt-c, bag!, error:
Now, obviously I understand why I get the error, my "hallow circle" is a compound path, but how do I convert it into a compatible shape?
Or is it an other way to get the same effect? I've tried the warp option but it just doesn't have a circle, just arch and it doesn't suit my needs. It looks crapy with warp.
Please help me! I've tryed everyting I could've think of, even importing photoshop paths... how can I make this badge work? I just couln't find a way to transform the compound path into an admitted shape. And my client really needs this badge for a franchise event at the end of the month.
This is where I got by using the warp tool but it looks bad, I want lager flags and I can't do that whitout screwing the arch meshed into a crappy circle... plese help me

Art brushes won't repeat.
Look for the element that's not allowed, because brushes are an ideal way to do this.
Look for gradients, pixel art or type.
Try this art:
http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/exchange/index.cfm?event=extensionDetail&extid=1045620

Live trace, gradients and compounding paths

I have a complex shape, and I want to have a copy behind of it that is filled.. the shape itself is a combination of stokes and fills, so a straight-out fill doesn't look good at all.. I can get it all colored the same way using live paint groups to only fill in the areas that are completely surrounded. The problem with that, though, is a gradient will apply separately to each object, but if I make a compound path it fills in some bits of the strokes the protrude as lines into the outside (it's a ironwork sort of pattern).
The only way i can think to do this automatically would be to color all the selections the same and then rasterize it and then live trace it so it's one object and then apply the gradient to that, but I feel there's probably a more straightforward way. Not sure I explained that properly, if something's unclear I'll be happy to elaborate

"The problem with that, though, is a gradient will apply separately to each object..."
Once you get to this point, you can grab the gradient tool from the tool panel and drag across all of the filled shapes. This will make one uniform gradient seen through the many pieces of the selection.
Give that a try, let us know how it goes.

How to create multiple gradients in a compound path?

Hi, I am trying to color a compound path with multiple colors? Kinda similar to the effect here
I tried using the blend tool and replace the spline but it does not give the desired effect.
Any tips as to how to approach this?
I have made the G by creating a compound path.
Thank you!

namk,
You may:
1) Create a simple stroke/nofill path, with a stroke at least as wide as the semicircular end parts, which follows and fully covers the G shape of the compound path;
2) Ctrl/Cmd+X+B to bring it to the back, then give it the desired gradient along the stroke/path;
3) Select all and Object>Clipping Mask>Make.
If you wish to get the stroke back on top, you may:
4) Click the compund path with the Direct Selection Tool and reapply its stroke with the original weight.

Help with linked files/ compound paths please

Hi - I am working with an illustrator file from another designer which has a compound path with linked files - when you link a new file the image is automatically resized and clipped to the path. I am able to edit it but i want to make my own from scratch and can't figure it out. I'm working with Illustrator CS6. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hi Steve - thanks for the reply - my question was a bit vague as I wasn't entirely sure what I was working with but I think your point about the new linked image scaling to the same size as the existing file has helped me understand it a bit more. What I want to know how to do is to make an entirely new file with a clipping mask that I then link an image to. I made a file with a clipping mask on the page and then chose file>place but the image I import is not being clipped (I ticked the link option when importing it) I see it working with the existing file I'm working with but I need to know how to make a new one myself.
If this makes it clearer here's what I want to do ...
I am making a banner, I have 3 flat jpegs of t-shirts that I want to place on the banner without their white background. I made a clipping mask the same shape as the outline of the t-shirt and now I want to import the jpeg so it is a linked file and is clipped by the clipping mask and so I can use it in future to import different t-shirt image in without scaling and clipping them each time.
REally appreciate your help, thanks.

Use a compound path as clipping mask?

Hello,
I’m trying to use a complex compound path as a clipping mask, but it won’t work. I have narrowed down the problem a little in two smaller scripts described below.
Using a single path as clipping mask works very well:
var doc = app.documents.add();
var clipGroup = doc.groupItems.add();
var bgItem = clipGroup.pathItems.rectangle(200, 200, 200, 200);
bgItem.position = Array(200, 500);
bgItem.fillColor = doc.swatches[8].color;
var fgItem = clipGroup.pathItems.polygon(144, 288, 72.0, 7);
fgItem.position = Array(220, 480);
fgItem.fillColor = doc.swatches[7].color;
fgItem.zOrder(ZOrderMethod.BRINGTOFRONT);
clipGroup.clipped = true;
alert(clipGroup.clipped); // will alert true
But when trying the simplest form of a compound path, it’s not working:
var doc = app.documents.add();
var clipGroup = doc.groupItems.add();
var bgItem = clipGroup.pathItems.rectangle(200, 200, 200, 200);
bgItem.position = Array(200, 500);
bgItem.fillColor = doc.swatches[8].color;
var compoundItem = clipGroup.compoundPathItems.add();
var fgItem = compoundItem.pathItems.polygon(144, 288, 72.0, 7);
fgItem.position = Array(220, 480);
fgItem.fillColor = doc.swatches[7].color;
compoundItem.zOrder(ZOrderMethod.BRINGTOFRONT);
clipGroup.clipped = true;
alert(clipGroup.clipped); // will alert false
Using compound paths as clipping masks is really simple in the Illustrator GUI. So what am I missing here?
Help would be greatly appreciated.

The simplest way, I think, would be to set the white line work as an opacity mask on top of the tan circle. That is not a clipping mask, but does the same thing and it's much easier.
Otherwise, outline white strokes and "Unite" using pathfinder tool, then delete outside path (the circle), from the compound shape. That will leave the appropriate compound object to make the clipping mask:

Calling all compound path and clipping mask experts...

I am attempting to get all the white areas in the attached "globe" artwork to knockout to the background color. I have tried making the entire thing a compound path, tried clipping mask and different combinations in pathfinder with no success. The image on the right is what happens when I make it a compound path. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

The simplest way, I think, would be to set the white line work as an opacity mask on top of the tan circle. That is not a clipping mask, but does the same thing and it's much easier.
Otherwise, outline white strokes and "Unite" using pathfinder tool, then delete outside path (the circle), from the compound shape. That will leave the appropriate compound object to make the clipping mask:

[Ai CS4] So I cannot convert compound path to regular paths?

I have some complicated shapes done with the pathfinder tools, and I need to use the gradient mesh on them. But I cannot, because they are compound paths. I cannot seem to find a way to convert them to regular paths. I am almost 100% sure that there must be a way, because Illustrator :hopefully: won't expect me to redraw those with a pen tool. Or hand-draw them, scan and trace.
Guidance please

Doh! I guess I found my answer, a minute after I post the question.
The problem was, I was punching holes using the "Minus Front" tool. Because there are no connection between two object's paths, Ai cannot make a single shape out of them.
Workaround:
Pick the line tool
start from the inside the hole
drag end point to outside of the shape
and make "Divide everything under"
Easy for the fill-only shapes, but will get a bit more complicated if I use strokes...
Other tips are also welcomed..

Compound Path to Shape

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for