Expert: Tom Rouze - 3/5/2009

Question
I want to make a font appear transparent ( like a cut out stencil)  I have a colored rectangle with a "word" in it and i want the "word" to appear cut out when i place the object over a picture, etc.

Answer
Hi Chris,

There are actually a couple ways to do what I think you're looking for. Here's one. If I understand correctly you want the picture to show through the letters when you place the rectangle with letters over it. If this is not what you're looking for please let me know and I'll give you a couple other options.

1. Place the type "words" over the rectangle, create outlines of the type (with type selected go to Type pull down menu>create outlines) this changes the type to paths.
2. Next, with the type still selected, go to Object pull down menu>compound path>make
Your type should now be knocked out of the colored rectangle.

Thank you,

Tom