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Heather5DE1
Participant
May 13, 2021
Answered

Expanding text creates compound paths?

  • May 13, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 850 views

Hi, 

 

When I select text and click expand it creates compound paths for each letter. It just started happening this afternoon...I'm sure that before it used to just create paths? 

 

I'm self taught so maybe it's always been that way, but when I look at all my old files none of them are compound paths so I'm confused. Is this normal?

 

I've tried creating outlines too but it does the same thing (I think that's supposed to happen with create outlines though?)

 

Thanks,

Heather 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Mike_Gondek10189183

Hi Heather expanding live text has always created a compound path. You need a compound path for letters like "O", but not "C, F, E. rAe you say expanding an "O" would give you 2 paths, but the center not knocked out. Can you please show a screenshot of the result you are desiring from one of your old files?

 

If you have object checked on that will give you path of which they must be compound when there is a knockout.

 

There is not much of a reason to expand only the fill, and not the object but sounds like that is what you are asking for.

2 replies

Ton Frederiks
Community Expert
Ton FrederiksCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 13, 2021

Compound paths are necessary to show the "holes" in characters.

    Mike_Gondek10189183
    Community Expert
    Mike_Gondek10189183Community ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    May 13, 2021

    Hi Heather expanding live text has always created a compound path. You need a compound path for letters like "O", but not "C, F, E. rAe you say expanding an "O" would give you 2 paths, but the center not knocked out. Can you please show a screenshot of the result you are desiring from one of your old files?

     

    If you have object checked on that will give you path of which they must be compound when there is a knockout.

     

    There is not much of a reason to expand only the fill, and not the object but sounds like that is what you are asking for.

      H
      Heather5DE1Author
      Participant
      May 13, 2021

      Hi Mike, 

       

      Thanks so much, I actually tried to delete this just after I posted it because I think I've just spent too much time at the screen today and am getting confused and frustrated. The old file I was comparing to I must have changed a lot in it, it's not really comparable. 

       

      Thanks for your help

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