Grouping/Merging all Illustrator layers together

[lmarshall]

We just purchased a large format printer that will print and then cut out vector images. I am using Illustrator CS3 and have two EPS logos that I would like to print and cut around but the text/objects are layered and overlap each other in some sections. My main problem is when I add the ContourCut Stoke line around the text it cuts into the graphics underneath it, which I need the logo to be one piece so that it cuts around the entire logo. Does anyone know if there is a way to group all of the Illustrator layers together so that you only have have one layer to outline instead of each individual layer? I have tried flattening the artwork, grouping etc, but nothing works. There has to be a way to group them isn't there?

Thanks!

 

[Crassinnola]

Did you try combining the paths using the Pathfinder panel?

 

[lmarshall]

I selected the entire logo and clicked "merge" in the pathfinder panel but it gives me the same result. Drawing a stroke between the Z and the swoosh underneath it. Which when I cut the logo out on our plotter it will cut the logo there.

 

[jmgalvin]

How about Layers window - flyout menu - flatten. Of layers window - select both layers - flyout menu - collect in new layer.

If you want to keep bothe layers for editing purposes, duplicate the document first.

Using OSX 10.3.9 on a G4