Expert: Amy - 10/14/2006

Question
Platform: PC
Illustrator Version: CS2

here's a scenerio:

if i have the letter "F" on top of a red-filled circle, and these 2 items are both sitting on top of a textured background/paper...

How do i make the fill of the "F" to be knocked-out, meaning i want to have the "F" be the textured background, having that showing through?

if i select the "F" to be filled with none, obviously, i get a red filled "F" instead from the red circle underneath.

Thank you so much!

Answer
Hiya,

You want the Pathfinder window.
(Please note that Adobe may have moved any or all of the following commands in CS2. I use an older version.)


Select the "F" and choose Type > Create Outlines (Ctrl+Shift+o). Make sure the F's on top of the circle. DOesn't matter what color the F is now.

Bring up the Pathfinder Window (Window > Show Pathfinder)

Now select BOTH the "F" and the circle.

Look through the various Pathfinder buttons until you find the one that subtracts the front object (the F) from the back object (circle).  I think it's subtract front.  I know for a fact that Adobe changed the logic of these buttons for CS... so I can't tell you exactly which one does the trick.  But it's one of them!!!

I hope this helps you!
Amy