The minus front and minus back tools do not work properly in illustrator

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
March 11, 2018
3 replies
10784 views

Hi,

I created an orange rectangular shape in illustrator and then created a piece of text using the text tool on a separate layer. I placed the text layer above the shape layer. Also, I placed the actual text on top of the orange box with a bit of the text slightly coming off the box. I then selected both the shape and the text and then used the minus front and minus back tool separately to punch the text out of the rectangular shape. However, the end result is not right as the top of the text is cut off. I’ve pretty much tried everything I possibly can to fix this issue but no luck. If anyone can help me out that would be great.

Thanks.

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Correct answer ArtiPatel305

Hi Arti,

How did you fix it?

Best,

Jane

I had to go to Type - create outlines for the text and then I ungrouped them and used the minus front tool for each letter individually.

jane-e

Community Expert

You have already done it and are now trying to fix the part of the text that is cut off?

Choose Undo. Move the text. Try again.

Why are you choosing both Minus Front and Minus Back on the same two shapes?

Or did I miss something?

A

ArtiPatel305Author

Inspiring

Hey,

I meant that I tried using both tools to achieve the same result. Also, I’ve fixed the problem now. Thanks for your response.

jane-e

Community Expert

Hi Arti,

How did you fix it?

Best,

Jane

Jeff Witchel, ACI

Community Expert

I think from what you're describing that you're trying to use the text to punch a hole in the orange rectangle, so you can see through the text.

If that's the case, you want to create a Compound Path.

Try the following:

Position your type over the top of the orange rectangle.
Outline the text, so it's paths instead of editable type (Type menu > Create Outlines).
Select both the outlined type and rectangle and under the Object menu, go to Compound Path > Make.

Hope this helps!