Cut text out from text shadow background

[PretenderJ]

Hi All

I am completely stuck on this one.  More than likely it's an easy solution - I just can't see it!

This is the image.

The above is simple white text with a shadow.  It could also be white text over the same text in black with a blur applied.

I would like to be able to 'cut' the white AWAY from the blur such that the effect above could be achieved on any different coloured background.  In other words how do I make the white text transparent BUT ensure that the black I see NOW will not change in any way when the white text is transparent?

I understand that the black will likely be raster - and thats OK.

I have tried using outlines, compound paths and pathfinder minus front but with no success.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Craig

[Doug A Roberts · Accepted solution]

1. Create your text.

2. Select it with the black arrow.

3. In the Appearance panel, add another fill and drag it below the Characters entry.

4. Apply a drop shadow to that fill only.

5. Double-click on the Characters entry in the Appearance panel.

6. Set the opacity to 0%

7. Double-click on Type in the Appearance panel.

8. In the overall opacity options, make sure Knockout group is checked.

[PretenderJ]

Thanks Doug

Appreciate the response.  I was able to get that to work - of sorts.  The result was not exactly what I was hoping for - but maybe this is best that illustrator can do . . .

I expected the shadow to be of a raster nature.  However the knocked out edge of the text is also heavily pixelated/rasterised.  I was hoping for this edge to be vector based. 

Is there anyway to resolve this?

Craig

[Doug A Roberts]

The edge of the text is vector. Can you show what you mean?

[PretenderJ]

Apologies Doug.  It is the representation on my screen.  The one as completed by the above instruction appears to have the jagged raster edge.  However on export, as compared to the original in my first post, there is no difference. Not sure why this is - but it is the result I am after . . .

Thanks again

Craig

[Monika Gause]

Try View > Preview on CPU.

Knockout groups and the GPU don't behave too well.