Make or release a compound path
A compound path is just when you combine multiple individual paths into one single path. Shapes must be converted to paths before being included in a compound path. For more information, see Convert a shape to a path.
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For a quick reference of modifications that you can make to a path, see Direct Selection tool modifier keys and Pen tool modifier keys. |
To make a compound path
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Select two or more paths you want to turn into a compound path. (To select multiple objects, hold the CTRL key.)
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On the Object menu, point to Path, and click Make Compound Path.
The resulting path will replace the bottom-most path (in Z-order) that was selected before compounding, adopting that path's properties.
Two paths converted to a compound path 
To release a compound path
You can break apart a compound path any time after you create it, however the original properties of the individual path objects will not be restored.
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Select the compound path.
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On the Object menu, point to Path, and click Release Compound Path.
