Text with offset path and background

[jonathansykes]

Hi, 

I want to create a offset path outline around text like this but when I do that I get gaps inbetween the text lines. How do I create it so that there is a background behind the text like this image? 

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

So you apply this as an additional fill in the appearance panel?

Then apply Effect > Path > Offset path with a very high value, so all is filled.

Then apply Effect > Pathfinder > Add

Then apply another instance of Effect > Path > Offset path with negative value.

[jonathansykes]

Thank you

[jduncan]

If you add a separate fill to your text with your offset effect applied, you can then apply Effect > Pathfinder > Merge and any of the open areas will be filled in. In the image below the top text only has the offset applied (before) and the bottom has the additional merge effect applied (after).