Joining type outlines?

[James_McLendon@adobeforums.com]

Hello,

I'm not sure if this is possible but I seemed to have just done it a bit ago, but now I can't. Here's the deal (this is in Illustrator 9.0.2):

I have a script font, and I want to join the individual letters so there is a smooth transition from one letter to another. I changed the letters to outlines, then I went in and deleted the very end of the strokes where the letters overlap. This left me with open endpoints for the strokes of each letter. When I try to join an end point of one letter to an end point of another letter, I get the message that I can't do it because the end points need to be open (they are), or the objects can't be on a text path (they aren't), or something about them being grouped or not grouped. I have tried both ungrouping the character outlines and grouping them as one form, but neither way works. Does anyone know a way around this problem? All I am trying to do is string some cursivey letters together so that it looks natural...

Thanks,
Jamie

[Larry_G._Schneider@adobeforums.com]

Jamie,

Try first releasing the compound paths, then joining the end points. You will have to then redo the compound paths.

Larry

[Joe_Duhamel@adobeforums.com]

Instead of deleting ends and joining, try using the Pathfinder palette's unite button. Then use the pen tool to smooth the rough edges.

[Gary_Newman@adobeforums.com]

Select them and go to Objects - Compound Path - Release. Sometimes it helps to select an entire path (use the Direct Select tool with the Option key), cut it, then click on the path you want to join it to, and paste in front. Then try joining the endpoints.

[James_McLendon@adobeforums.com]

Thanks a lot, guys; it was those pesky compound paths indeed.

Jamie