How to prevent an object within another object from getting "colored in"?

Question

Hello everyone! I am using Illustrator to make a geologic map for a class. In the picture below, the yellowish object above the 13 S is on the same layer as the tiny off-white object to the left of the 12 S. I want it to be the same color (off-white). However, when I fill the larger layer beneath it, it overlaps the object and blends both colors, due to the transparency (the transparency is required). I've tried locking that layer to keep it from getting filled in, to no avail. I've tried both the eyedropper and the fill function. I also tried drawing a border around the object on the other layer. Nothing seems to work, but I'm guessing there must be some king of function that allows transparent objects on an island to not be affected by the layer surrounding it.

I hope I was clear enough about what I'm trying to do. This is due in a couple of days, so I appreciate any help!

tromboniator · Accepted Answer

I think I understand what the situation is. I’ll start with some guesswork and assumptions: first, that the grayscale image underlies the whole image and the colored layers are partially transparent to allow the grayscale to show through; and second, that the area beneath and surrounding the object at 13S does not lie beneath the object to the left of 12S.

If these things are true, you may select and copy the 13S object; select both the 13S object and the surrounding/underlying shape; then Object > Compound Path > Make; then Paste in Front the copied 13S object and apply the desired color.

There are several other methods to achieve this if this doesn't accomplish what you need.

Peter

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