Group, compound and break apart
Choose the command based on what you want to edit together and what should happen to the contours.
Choose a command
| Command | Use it to |
|---|---|
| Group | Move or select several objects together while keeping their outlines. |
| Make compound | Link related vector contours, such as a letter’s outer outline and its inner hole. |
| Separate compound | Unlink the complete contours so you can select them separately. |
| Break Apart | Split vector artwork into individual lines or curves. A rectangle becomes four lines. |
Keep a letter’s hole with its outline
Convert an editable letter such as O to outlines and select its contours. Use the compound tools on the Text ribbon to inspect the linked contours. Place the outlines on one Fill layer and verify that the centre stays clear in the job preview.
Split a rectangle into four lines
Select the rectangle and choose Arrange → Break Apart or press Alt+B. Each segment stays on its source layer. Open segments no longer form a filled region. Undo if you need the original closed shape.