: Font Fill Color with Offset Path (Illustrator) Doesn't Work When I write text with script font on Illustrator > create outlines > unite > offset path > group, I cannot select the original text

@Murray976

I'm not certain why you need to outline anything. You can just apply a second fill and then offset that fill via the Appearance Panel.



This keeps it as live type so it's still easily edited.

It somewhat sounds like you're outlining, dividing, grouping is all a bit unwarranted. But perhaps I'm not fully understanding your goal.

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@Angela777

A couple of options here:

Modified approach to your original post:


Skip the final group step and use the Direct Selection Tool, A, to select all of the original script type you want to edit:






Note: This might be tricky depending on which script font you're using and how easily it can be selected with the Direct Select Tool.



Old School Approach:


Type > Create Outlines or Command + Shift + O to outline the text. Then Pathfinder > Unite to create a cohesive shape:





Copy Command + C, Paste in Front Command + F and edit the color of the new shape. Hide Command + 3, this shape when finished editing color:





^ Before & After the Hide command Command + 3


Select the remaining shape and add a stroke (edit color if desired):

Note: You can Object > Expand this shape but I prefer to keep the stroke intact in the event that I want to edit it again later. However, if you're set on the styling, expand the stroke if you're planning on doing any resizing.



4. Bring back the front graphic with the Show All command, Command + Option + 3:




Repeat Hide, Edit, Show All until you get the styling the way you want it.

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