Multiple shapes to make a mask?

[inkling23]

I'm trying to recreate this technique where multiple shapes (in this case, two rectangles) are masking out parts of another shape (the M). The entire shape (the M plus the two rectangles) are set to the same purple fill color. I have no idea how the original designer did this. Any help would be highly appreciated, thanks!

[barbara_a]

If the M is a shape (text converted to outlines, Type > Create Outlines), all you need to do is the following:

Draw the two rectangles. 

Select the two rectangles and group them (Object > Group).

Make sure that the rectangle group is on top of the 'M'. (Object > Arrange > Bring to Front)

Select the grouped rectangles and the M.

In the Pathfinder panel, click the Minus Front icon.

[inkling23]

Thanks Barbara. Your method actually subtracts the shapes, which does work. But I'm trying to keep the masking rectangles intact (as shown in the the screen shot) so they can be adjusted if need be.

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

You see a Compound Shape. This can be made in the Pathfinder panel by selecting objects and while holding down the Alt key click on one of the options in the top row. From the Pathfinder menu you can release the Compound Shape.

https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/combining-objects.html

[inkling23]

Thanks Ton, that link was super helpful! So, what I did was made three three rectangles, with two of them designated as my masks on top and option/alt clicked on Minus Front. Worked perfectly!

[Ton Frederiks]

Good to hear that helped.