Make Compound Path is an Astute Graphics live effect with one simple function: to turn multiple paths into a single compound path. It has no parameters.
As with most live effects, Make Compound Path appears in the main menu, under Effect > AG Utilities
. It can also be applied directly from the Appearance panel using the “Add New Effect” button at the bottom of the panel.
The Make Compound Path effect is mainly useful when followed by a native PathFinder effect such as “Intersect”. For example, if a group of four circles has an “Intersect” effect applied, normally nothing happens. But if it is preceded by Make Compound Path, then the Boolean operation works as expected:
AG Utilities Live Effects - Make Compound Path