Unable to release compound path

[Borcsart]

Hello everyone,
I'd be very happy to get an answer for this: I am unable to release my complex compound path!
I've created a divided donut, with many shapes by Alt+clicking on Pathfinder 'Minus front' and now I'm unable to break it down again to singe paths. The Object/Compound path/Release option is greyed out and I also can not Ungroup it (on the third, inner level there's a group of objects).
I'd need the shapes back to create shape box for text fields which you can  not make out of compound paths.
Thank you for the answers in advance!

[Jacob Bugge · Accepted solution]

Borcsart,

Always remember to keep (lock) a copy of the artwork, and work of a copy, when making serious and especially irreversible changes.

I am guessing that (depending on version) you have a Compound Group rather than a Compound Path, so you have to Object>Expand Appearance first, then apply Compound Path>Release.

In that case you get the Compound Path in the first place by Clicking without holding Alt.

[Borcsart]

Thank you very much Jacob!

It worked! Even better than the front bringing (Ctr+C, Ctrl+F) version, because this way the modified shape remained, so I didn't had to redo steps with the pathfinder! And finally I could release and ungroup! 🙂
Thank you for that!

I didn't think it's that simple.

[Jacob Bugge]

You are welcome, Borcsart.

Often small things have great significance, and those small things can change to the opposite over the years. This has been the case with the use/non use of the Alt key in this connexion: in the old days you had to hold Alt to get a Compound Path.

But with the front bringing you only work with a copy of the/each constituent path, and the whole original Compound Shape/Path is still there in the background, so no need to redo?

[Jacob Bugge]

Borcsart,

But there is another option, which may be more suitable (and safe) than breaking up the Compound (Group/Path), namely to deselect and for each relevant constituent path:

Hold Alt and Click the edge/spine of the path with the Direct Selection Tool, then Hold Ctrl and press C then F then X then F.

This will bring that constituent path to the front as a simple independent path ready for use as a text field.

You can see and manage the stacking order in the expanded Layers panel.

[btrmike]

SOLUTION:

Click on Object, GO TO Object, Path, REVERSE PATH DIRECTION.

Then go back to both objects, click both.  COMPOUND PATH.

Solution

This works in CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator.

Why this GLITCH happens from time to time in

both programs for "some" project files, DUNNO why.

Computers?^&*(#@

[ismail372100939q2m]

hello, can i make every compound path, release automatically without manual releasing every time....and can i make this option using a javascript script

[Jacob Bugge]

Ismael,

Maybe too far out and silly, but how about selecting everything (ClickDrag or Ctrl/Cmd+A) and then using Object>Compound Path>Release?

[cathrin_2710]

Thank you btrmike!!! I love you!!!

this was all I needed to do after days of anguish!