Path/Outlines

[shakashaka]

I have created an .ai graphic. I need to make outline paths as the shape is going to be cut out and the machine cannot work with the design at the moment. I cannot seem to make the 2 shapes into single individual shape with one path surrounding the edges. What would be the easiest way to achive this? At the moment PATH->OUTLINE STROKE is highlighted but that is giving me inner paths which I dont need.

Grateful for any input!
Paul

[Ares Hovhannesyan]

You need to take into account the following:Try to group objects then apply path outline or you can add stroke on group from Appearance panel.

1.Ai apply outlines (or any effect) and strocks in different manner to selected and grouped object. 

2. You can use path outline from Object menu as well from effects. Effect works with groups

Please rview my training video about group (sorry, it is in my native languge) but I think you can understand what I mean. thank you https://youtu.be/fg9WDpirPIY

[shakashaka · Accepted solution]

Thanks. As some of the shapes were already lines with heavy strokes it was not possible to apply outlines. I went another route and rasterized and then did IMAGE TRACE with TRACING RESULT AND OUTLINES. I then put a light stroke in red around the shapes. It worked.