How to convert a point to an ellipse?

[big_smile_00]

I am following this tutorial, to create a dot-to-dot puzzle.

The tutorial says the following:

1. Draw your path point to point.
2. With the path selected, Select > Object> Direction handles
3. Delete (this should leave the points, no connecting lines)
4. With the points selected, Effect > Convert to Shape > Ellipse
5. Specify an appropriate radius. Set fill to black after the effect is applied. Save a Graphic Style to reuse.

Here is how my document looks after I have followed step 4:

The Ellipse appears in the centre of the document and not next to the numbered points. This happens if I select all the number points (as detailed in the instructions) or if I select only 1 number point. Changing the options in the Ellipse dialogue box does not fix things.

How can I fix it?

Here is my file: http://www.filedropper.com/drinkandglass-dots

[Monika Gause]

Please show us what's in your layers.

[big_smile_00]

Hi

I have two layers

Layer 1: DOTS

This contains the points that I want to convert into ellipses

Layer 2: Numbers

These are numbers that mark out each point in the DOTS layer (so the points are easier to see, because the points don't have any stroke/fill applied to them)

[Mike_Gondek · Accepted solution]

That is because  the dots layer are a compound path, which works liek a group in this case so you only get onel elipse

Object >> Compound Path >> Release

The appearance palette is your best friend on Illustrator.

Make sure you don't apply at layer level or you will get this.

Clcik on the word contents to select the apply effects at the object level and not the layer level

[big_smile_00]

MikeGondek & edgrimley - Thank you so much! You guys rock!

[Mike_Gondek]

For my part you are welcome Madhu

[edgrimley]

Use the appearance panel to set up a style for your ellipse. Add the numbers on a layer and lock it. Then just click a point beside each number on another layer. Select all the points and apply the style.