Expert: Amy - 1/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: if i draw 2 circles and use the live paint feature i can have the layers under and overlapping like the olympic logo but when i try to do this with text i get the following message -
'the selection contains objects that cannot be converted.live paint groups can only contain paths and compound paths.clipping paths are not allowed'
ive tried the help for converting text but most of the options are greyed out.

ANSWER: Hi Cameron,

You must first convert your text to outlines.

Select it using the direct select tool (aka black arrow). Do not highlight it using the text tool.

Make sure it is not part of a group or a compound path.

Then choose Type > Create Outlines. It shouldn't be grayed out.

Then you can use Live Paint on it!

If you are having problems converting the type to outlines, let me know.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: THANKS AMY,
we are getting there
converted text as suggested
the 3 text objects i have are red,white and blue - all with a black outline.
when i tried live paint with the rings i could scroll through the 3 colours using the arrow keys but here i only have blue - text not grouped by the way.
thanks again

ANSWER: Hi Cameron,

Make sure your swatches window is visible. Select your live paint bucket color from the swatches (only) and the colors on either side of the color you choose become your Live Paint Cursor Swatches. If you have certain custom colors that you want to use, make sure to add them to your swatches.

Does that help?

-Amy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i have the swatch open now and can change the fill as required although its not available in the arrow keys selection.
one thing i cant do at present is colour in the black outline - all i get is the black option
thanks again Amy

Answer
Hmmm,

You have to use THE standard swatch palette, not a custom swatch palette or color book, or the adjacent colors won't be available in your cursor swatches.

Hold down the shift key when filling with the bucket to flood "edges" - that's what they call strokes in LivePaint objects.

I think it would be beneficial to you to watch some LivePaint Tutorials.

There are some wonderful tutorials available for free at Adobe.com

http://www.tutorialhero.com/click-48221-paint_like_a_master_with_live_paint.php

There are three tutorials listed on that page, although it's not easy to see their links. Watch them by clicking on the text that says MOV: 6.1 MB

I watched them. It doesn't take long and it teaches you the basics.

-Amy