How do I delete the center of the letter A in Adobe Illustrator CS5?

Question

I need the center of the letter A in Illustrator to be transparent so you can see the background underneath. Same with letter D, B, O, P, R.

I imported a vector version of a word, and I am able to select the letter but if I click delete button it deletes the whole word.

enter image description here

Lauren Ipsum · Accepted Answer · 2012-05-01 00:57:01Z

up vote 4 down vote accepted

Select the letter and its counter (hole) and choose Object > Compound Path > Make.

edited May 1 '12 at 0:57

Lauren Ipsum
7,62831432

answered Apr 30 '12 at 22:45

Scott
25.1k11450

	this worked! I had to select with the white arrow. – designaddict Apr 30 '12 at 23:37
	also I had to hold SHIFT while selecting the hole's path. – designaddict Apr 30 '12 at 23:38
	once selected I can use the shortcut CTRL+8 – designaddict Apr 30 '12 at 23:39

Lauren Ipsum · Answer 2 · 2012-04-30 21:58:36Z

up vote 2 down vote

Window → Pathfinder

Select your letter.

Click on "divide." That should punch a hole in the middle of your solid R or A.

Click on the WHITE arrow (Direct Selection). Click on the LINE around the counter space (the open spot you want to see through) and delete.

answered Apr 30 '12 at 21:58

Lauren Ipsum
7,62831432

unfortunately this method did not work for me. Thank you though! – designaddict Apr 30 '12 at 23:38

2 Answers