Open the document that contains the paths.
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Create compound paths
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to combine multiple paths into a single object with transparent holes and shared attributes in Adobe InDesign.
You can create a compound path from two or more open or closed paths. When you create the compound path, all selected paths become subpaths of the new object. The new compound path inherits the stroke and fill settings of the object positioned farthest back in the stacking order.
You can combine multiple paths into a single compound path. Use a compound path when you need to:
- Add transparent holes within a path.
- Preserve transparent areas inside text characters, such as o and e, after converting text to editable letterforms with the Create Outlines command. The Create Outlines command always creates compound paths.
- Apply a gradient or place content across multiple paths. The Gradient Swatch tool can apply a gradient across several objects. Using a compound path makes editing easier because you can adjust the entire gradient by selecting any subpath. With the Gradient Swatch tool, you must reselect all original paths before editing.
Note
If one or more selected objects contain text or imported images, the compound path uses the attributes and contents of the object at the farthest depth in the stacking order. Objects farther back that don't contain content don't affect the compound path.
Create a compound path
Select all paths you want to include using the Selection tool.
Select Object > Paths > Make Compound Path. A hole appears wherever selected paths overlap.
Modify a subpath in a compound path
Open the document that contains the compound path.
Select the compound path.
Use the Direct Selection tool to select a point on the subpath you want to modify.
Select Object > Paths > Reverse Path. You can also select Reverse Path in the Pathfinder panel (Window > Object & Layout).
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