Learning to use Illustrator for the first time. I would like to cut out a the lightning bolt shape from the text behind it, leaving a transparent outline of the shape. I see many tips for cropping text from images but not the opposite. I have created this effect using photoshop but I am struggling to replicate it on Illustrator. Any help here is much appreciated.
3 Answers
Convert the text to outline (Command+Shift+O), select all elements, use the Shape Builder Tool (Shift+M) to cut out all the elements you don't want.
This only works if all elements are shapes.
-
-
There is no text if you convert it to outlines. So everything should be good. Don't try it with text ;)– ueberkimNov 23, 2018 at 7:51
Since I see that you have the text and bolt in different layers, you can simply do the following:
- If not already, outline the text. You can select the text and press CMD+Shift+O or right click > Outline.
- Select both shapes and go to the Pathfinder (If not visible go to Window > Pathfinder) and while holding the option key, click Minus front option.
- Horray! You've just created a compound shape out of your original logo.
-
I got an error saying "Images, gradients, meshes, graphs, placed objects and text paths cannot be used as compound shape elements." Nov 4, 2018 at 20:18
-
1This usually shows when you're using a raster image. Are the shapes in your layers actual shapes or are they an image?– aliadamsNov 4, 2018 at 20:24
-
I read your other comment, for the bolt, you can easily redraw it using the pen tool (p) and then do the above.– aliadamsNov 4, 2018 at 20:25
- Select the text
- Convert the text to outlines pressing Cmd + Shift + O Mac or Ctrl + Shift + O Win
- Convert it to a compound shape pressing Cmd + 8 Mac or Ctrl + 8 Win
- Fill it with a color
- Select the compound shape and the shape to cut
- Pathfinder panel > Minus Front
Tip: when clicking Minus Front hold the Alt key to make a compound shape and keep both shapes.
-
Is it possible that since the lightning bolt is a .png file, that is what is causing me the issue? I keep getting an error when pressing Minus Front. Nov 4, 2018 at 20:22
-
Yes, Pathfinder works with shapes, not with images. You should trace the image and expand It. But this is another process and another different answer.– user120647Nov 4, 2018 at 20:25