Adobe Illustrator Combining Objects and Paths 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does Object > Compound Path > Make do to two overlapping filled shapes?
- Creates a single path where the overlap becomes a transparent hole (Correct answer)
- Merges them into one solid fill
- Groups them without changing appearance
- Converts them to a clipping mask
Correct answer: Creates a single path where the overlap becomes a transparent hole
Make Compound Path treats overlapping areas as holes, like the center of a letter 'O'.
Question 2: The keyboard shortcut to make a compound path is:
- Ctrl/Cmd + 8 (Correct answer)
- Ctrl/Cmd + 7
- Ctrl/Cmd + G
- Ctrl/Cmd + 5
Correct answer: Ctrl/Cmd + 8
Ctrl/Cmd + 8 creates a compound path from selected objects.
Question 3: To release a compound path back into separate objects, you use:
- Object > Compound Path > Release (Alt/Option+Ctrl/Cmd+8) (Correct answer)
- Object > Ungroup
- Object > Path > Clean Up
- Edit > Undo only
Correct answer: Object > Compound Path > Release (Alt/Option+Ctrl/Cmd+8)
Release reverses the compound path, restoring individual shapes.
Question 4: When two paths form a compound path, the fill rule that determines holes is set in which panel?
- Attributes panel (even-odd vs non-zero winding) (Correct answer)
- Stroke panel
- Color panel
- Transform panel
Correct answer: Attributes panel (even-odd vs non-zero winding)
The Attributes panel controls even-odd and non-zero winding fill rules for compound paths.
Question 5: A compound path differs from a group in that:
- A compound path is a single object sharing one fill and stroke (Correct answer)
- A compound path keeps each object's separate fill
- Groups create transparent holes automatically
- There is no difference
Correct answer: A compound path is a single object sharing one fill and stroke
A compound path behaves as one object with a unified fill/stroke, unlike a group.
Question 6: Which is a common real-world reason to use a compound path?
- Creating letterform counters or a knockout hole in a logo (Correct answer)
- Applying a drop shadow
- Aligning text to a baseline
- Importing a raster image
Correct answer: Creating letterform counters or a knockout hole in a logo
Compound paths are ideal for cut-out shapes such as the inside of letters.
Question 7: After making a compound path, what fill do the resulting holes show?
- Whatever is behind the path (transparency) (Correct answer)
- Black
- White
- The same fill as the shape
Correct answer: Whatever is behind the path (transparency)
Holes are transparent, revealing objects beneath the compound path.
Adobe Illustrator Combining Objects and Paths 3
What does Object > Compound Path > Make do to two overlapping filled shapes?