How do I cut out a shape through several layers in Illustrator? 1

[Jameechi]

Hello!
Hope someone can help me with this Illustrator qn.
I'm trying to use a shape in the top layer of my Illustration to cut-out through the layers below, so that it is just the background coming through this shape...if this makes sense?

I tried doing a FAQ & keyword search but couldn't find this...hope I'm not repeating a qn.

Thanks,
J

 

[apepp]

...have you tried the pathfinder palette, trim or merge command?

...once the trim or merge has been made you can then select the topmost shape that you want as the hole and then assign it a background of none...

...note that this will then render the objects into a group on one layer. If you have complicated strokes you will lose these in the process, which is a tad annoying, unless someone else has a better method to share...

Andrew

 

[Jameechi]

Thanks Andrew

I'm giving this a shot...but can't seem to get it to work...after using the trim or merge options..I couldn't seem to use the top shape to 'cut through' as it were...
...it must just be me doing something wrong, I'll try it again..thanks very much for the prompt response.

J

 

[apepp]

...that top shape at first needs to have a colour assigned to it, do the merge or trim, then with the direct select tool select this shape again and give a fill of none, your background shape needs to be on a layer at the bottom untouched by the pathfinder command...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...this method will very much depend on the complexity and structure of your artwork, without seeing it, it is difficult the post an appropriate solution...

...if you can post a screen shot, this would be helpful...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...also the trim command rather than the merge command will probably yield a better result for what you need, again depending on the structure you are dealing with...

Andrew

 

[Jameechi]

thanks for all this help..I really appreciate it...
I'm embarrased to say it's really not a very complex shape..it's the "Yin Yang" sign, I'm trying to cut through the areas that are white (the small white circles over the dark semi-circle) & small dot on the dark background, so that I can place this onto any colour of background.

I think the way I constructed the logo..I used a blend to merge the two dark areas..may be causing me the problems trying to use the Pathfinder palette.
Tried to attach the gif there, to no avail.. I think I'm just having a bad day!

Thanks again!
J

 

[apepp]

...to attach images you need web space...

...there are some free ones to use:

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=free+image+upload&btnG=Search&meta=

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...or feel free to post me the illy file so i can have a look:

ap

at (@)

apepp

dot (.)

info

 

[apepp]

..so long as it isn't more than 6Mb, it will get through to me on email...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

...sometimes, seemingly simple objects can be a pain to overcome, i know the feeling...

: )

Andrew

 

[Jameechi]

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for all the help...I finally got it to work there following your advice about the order of the layers, as I had it on a sub layer & it hadn't worked, so I copied & pasted it to a new layer as you suggested & put it at the bottom & yes it worked!!
Thank you so much!
J

 

[apepp]

...good news...

Andrew