Color in specific shapes of compound path?

[keithm1972]

I've been exploring compound paths for the first time in InDesign. Is there a way to fill in or alter some of the smaller boxes in the overall image below? I've seen other designs accomplishing this, but can't get it happening myself. 

[Jeffrey_Smith]

I am assuming from your screen shot, there is a larger outer shape, with 12 inner shapes creating the compound path. To alter the inner shapes, you need to use the Direct Selection Tool, to either select individual rectangles, or individual corners. You will not be able to "fill" an inner shape, unless you remove it from the compound.

[keithm1972]

Thanks for the response. Yes, this compound shape consists of the 12 inner shapes. I'd like to explore something similar to the image below where I can play with color and transparency of different squares. Is that possible with InDesign? When I "release" the path of the shape above all the squares go blank except for one containing part of the picture.

[jmlevy · Accepted solution]

You can select one of the shape with the direct selection tool, as Jeffrey explained, then cut it and paste in place. This new object will not be part of the compond path so you will be able to modify it (background, transpaency, etc)

[keithm1972]

Got it, thanks. Seems so obvious once you explain it!