Knockout and how to make transparent

[JustWakinUp]

I've been reading the threads about transparency and trying to accomplish a task but it doesn't seem to work.

Ok here is what i am trying to do.
Create a star, ctrl-c , ctrl-f (paste in front)
then scale it using (shift + ctrl + alt)

then what i want to do is have the smaller star (the one on top)knock a hole in the larger star (the one on the bottom) and the hole that is left be transparent so that it can see layers below it or be saved as a .gif or a
.png and the hole keep its transparent value....

Is this possible?

 

[askIllustrator]

That type of object is called a compound object and be created by simply selecting both stars and hitting ctrl+8. It's basically the same kind of shape the letter 'O' would be if you converted one to outlines. As far as saving for web, I know a transparent .gif would work, just choose a matte color close the stars color. I dont know about a .png

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." -Einstein

 

[JustWakinUp]

jaquan thanks so much, im wondering what the
long version of that shortcut is? Where in
the menu can i find it or in the help files?
I would like to read more about that shortcut
THanks

 

[askIllustrator]

Since you are manipulating objects you will find it in the object menu towards the bottom. You will get the same result if you use the patherfinder pallets' "subtract from shape area" button. Most key commands like that can be undone by simply adding the alt key to the mix. For instance, to release the compound path and get both stars back you could press ctrl+alt+8

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." -Einstein