Offset Path to Merge Shapes Not Working Right

Question

I've looked at a few different tutorials and they all say the same things: make compound path > offset path by a degree that overlaps the two shapes (joins: round) > offset path by the same degree but with a minus at the front (joins: round).

I don't know why my shapes are not editable after I use offset path. It's like Illustrator is creating a new instance each time I use the feature. I've tried adjusting the degree around and it's still the same problem.

Can anyone tell why this is happening? Thanks in advance!

SOLPERSON · Accepted Answer

Okay, I finally figured it out. I'm going to post what I figured out if anyone else is having trouble:

1. Make a compound path

2. Go to Effect > Path > Offset Path (I previously started under Object)

3. Enter a positive number that causes the shapes to overlap, Joins should be set to Round

4. Click into the compound path group so you can see the layer breadcrumbs below your project tabs

5. Go to Effect > Path > Offset Path again

4. Enter the negative value of your first number, Joins set to Round. Illustrator will ask if you want to apply a new instance of the effect, click "Apply New Effect"

5. Now when you are clicked into the compound shape group you can move around the shapes to adjust how they merge!

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