How do I make a closed path 'knock out' of another closed path?

[Ken Nielsen]

If I draw a closed path, say a circle, and have two other smaller closed paths, circles also, on the same layer, how do I make the two smaller circle paths 'knock out' of the larger path which is filled with a color... I've tried 'join' and will not allow me to do that, I have tried reversing path direction.... not working... I know there is a way but I am lost with this... Can you help me discover again how this is done? tia... Ken

[Larry G. Schneider · Accepted solution]

Try Select All, then Object>Compound Path>Make.

[Ken Nielsen]

Thank You Sir Larry... I am very grateful for you quick reply and steering me in the right direction... it worked!

[Michael Bullo]

Hi Ken. If you were looking to specifically achieve this using a "knock out" method, this might help.

[Ken Nielsen]

Michael, that is clever... and yes, that works with zero opacity and group... a most interesting approach. For a logo, I will be using the 'make > compound path' method but your idea is certainly worth knowing about as I can see where it would be very useful. Thank You!

[Michael Bullo]

Thanks Ken. No denying the compound path is generally the way to go.