Trouble making "Compound Paths"

[thegraphixlab]

I work in all other vector programs and the "compound/combine technique" is so easy and straight forward. I'm still a amature in Illustrator and when I select a group of paths contained within each other . . .
and go to "Compound ---> Make" it doesn't combine them and knock the inside out. What am I doing wrong. The only result I get is as if it's only "grouping" them together.
I can't get the doughnut effect. ARRRG!!!

Thanks for your expertise, Chris

 

[blueark]

Easy way: open the Pathfinder palette, select your shapes, and press the 'Subtract from Shape Area' button.

More complicated way: if you've made a compound path, use the direct selection tool (the white arrow) to select the 'inside'. Open the Attributes palette and try clicking the 'Reverse Path Direction' buttons.

 

[thombathe]

I’m at a loss as to why it will not work try this create a new document create a red rectangle then a green oval on top of it, over hanging to the outside now select all
and make a compound path what you should see is the center part of the oval turn to white and everything else is red. let me know if it works.
Also try the pathfinder this may help to.

Thom

The longest jounney starts with the first step.

http://www.thombathe.com

 

[stratajai]

I have had that same problem & it ended up being the typical reboot new document issue such as thom suggested.

good luck.

[j]

Justin Adleff • JUXTAFLO •

http://www.juxtaflo.com