Can’t figure out how to add a continous gradient to text

[watermelon5]

The text is outlined. I have tried grouping and ungrouping the individual letters, but the gradient is applying to each individual letter instead of a single gradient across the entire object. On desktop, I usually remedy this by using the gradient tool and spreading it across the selected object. But there's no gradient tool for iPad, just a swatch thingy. 🤷🏻‍:female_sign:

[DougKatz]

Try converting the outlines to a single compound path

[watermelon5]

That's a good idea. It's treating the outlined objects as separate elements. Can you tell me how I can do compound paths? Sorry, I'm still trying to figure out this iPad version of Illustrator. Thanks.

[DougKatz]

On the right edge of your screen are several panels. Click on them to discover what operations they include. One of them will allow you to create a compound path from one or more selected objects (like letterforms that have been converted to outlines).