How can I transform a special character to a path?

[PSDDude]

I trying to create a vector star shape from a special character that I grabbed from this star symbol list.

I tried with symbols like ★ and ⍟ - I copy/pasted them as text in Illustrator, but when I do that Illustrator shows them as a square with an X in the middle, as if it does not recognize the character. I think these are UTF8 characters.

My plan was to transform the text star character to a path.

What am I doing wrong?

thanks,

John

[Monika Gause]

Here's how to make outlines: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/formatting-type.html#convert_type_to_outlines

If it doesn't create paths, then maybe the font is pixelbased.

[PSDDude]

Maybe I wasn't too clear

You try copy pasting this character ★ in Illustrator and see what happens. I write "TEXT★" and I get:

[Jacob Bugge]

PSDDude,

What happens if you File>Place the character(s) with Link ticked, then Object>Flatten Transparency with Convert all Text to Outline ticked?

[PSDDude]

Maybe I wasn't too clear

You try copy pasting this character ★ in Illustrator and see what happens. I write "TEXT★" and I get:

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

That is obviously formatted in Heiti SC, which is an east Asian font

In Preferences > Type you need to check "Show Font Names in English". Then you can assign the font to the text and get the character.

It looks like when copying and pasting from a website, the formatting is not carried over to Illustrator.