Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 11/25/2008

Question
Hello,

Im working on a vector portrait of somebody. I've created areas of color using the pen tool and i put holes in that area with another color underneath. This way the color underneath will show through. Now, my problem is that the compound path that i've created isn't punching out all the areas i've selected. Only a few get punched out while leaving the rest not.

what should i do? I have so many layers of color that it would be a real pain to go through and re-organize it all to make up for the ones that aren't working

thanks very much

kody

Answer
Hi Kody,

Normally when the compound path isnt working is either due to open paths (not a closed object) or overlapping items. Double check your work to see if either of these is the issue.

I have also seen it where compound paths do not work if you have a lot of complex paths used in the shape. You can always go to the pathfinder palette and use "exclude" or "divide". Sometimes that is a great work around.

Thanks

Kevin