How to Fix Non Compound Non Masking Path Error in Illustrator

Trying to create text along with a path, but a message is appearing saying, “You must click on a non-compound, non-masking path?” This means the path you’ve selected isn’t suitable for adding text.

But what are the reasons behind the non compound non masking path error message? Illustrator wants you to create paths that have no compound effects and masking. 

However, some common reasons prevent your path from being a non-compound, non-masking path, such as —

• Compound path
• Complex path
• Object overlapping
• Grouped objects
• Clipping masks

Fortunately, fixing these reasons is pretty straightforward and quick. Curious to know how you can solve this text error? Let’s get into details. 

Common Reasons and Solutions Behind the Non Compound Non Masking Path Error

Before diving into the detailed discussion, take a quick look at the following table:

Common Causes	Quick Solution
Trying to apply text to a compound path	Release compound path
Creating text to clipping mask	Eliminate clipping mask
Adding text to grouped shapes	Ungroup shapes
Applying text to a complex path	Remove complex effects
Object overlapping the path	Move or delete overlapping objects

What is Non Compound Non Masking Path?

A non-compound, non-masking path refers to a single path object in Illustrator that hasn’t been combined with any other paths. No compound paths also shouldn’t be used for masking techniques. 

Compound paths join two or more separate paths into a single object. On the other hand, masking refers to paths, like clipping masks and vector masks, used to hide or reveal information using masking tools.

For some path editing tools and commands in Illustrator to work properly, they require a specific selected path without masking and compound shapes. And this selected path is known as non-compound non-masking path.

When Do You See the “You Must Click on a Non-Compound, Non-Masking Path” Error?

When you want to work with the Path tool to use Type, you may encounter the error “you must click on a non compound non masking path” in Illustrator.

Generally, this error text in Illustrator indicates that the path you’re working on isn’t a suitable shape for the Type feature. Here are some reasons why you may face you must click on a non compound error:

Trying to Apply Text to A Compound Path

In Illustrator, you need to make a simple path so that the software can detect and work efficiently. 

When you want to apply the text to a compound path, it’ll lead to an error. This is because Illustrator treats compound paths as complex paths that consist of multiple paths.

Creating Text to Clipping Mask

A clipping mask is a technique for merging two or more shapes together in Illustrator. It’s similar to the layer mask method in Photoshop.

This method generally works to conceal or reveal some parts of the object while merging together. 

Therefore, when you try to add text to the clipping mask shape, it leads to an error.

Adding Text to Grouped Shapes

When multiple shapes are grouped together, Illustrator treats them as one single unit. Therefore, Illustrator fails to detect which shape you’re trying to apply text to; as a result, it shows you the warning.

Applying Text to A Complex Path

Illustrator needs a relatively smooth and continuous path for text to flow easily. If the outline for adding text is too complex, the text might appear distorted or won’t let you add the text at all.

Object Overlapping the Path

In Illustrator, if another object is placed over the path you want to use for text, Illustrator can’t access that path properly. This is because other objects are concealing and interfering with the path. 

In this case, Illustrator will show the error message to indicate that there are some issues with the text wrapping path.

How to Fix Non Compound Non Masking Path Error in Illustrator

This issue is pretty common among novice editors and can be solved using a few easy steps. Here are some common and effective solutions for the text error while using the Path tool:

Ungroup Path

If the path or shape on which you want to wrap the text is grouped, you need to ungroup them first. To ungroup the paths, select the group, go to “Object”, and then click “Ungroup.” 

You can also press “Cmd + Shift + G” (for Mac) or “Ctrl + Shift + G” (for Windows) on your keyboard.

Release Compound Path

To release the compound path, you first have to select the path. Then go to the “Object” in the menu bar and click “Compound Path” from the dropdown options. It’ll elaborate more options from where you have to click “Release.”

Eliminate Clipping Mask

You can’t use the Path tool to clip masks. To release the mask, you first need to go to the menu bar, click “Object,” select “Clipping Mask,” and choose “Release.” If clipping masks were the main issue behind the error text, it should be solved now!

Remove Complex Effects

Like compound paths and clipping masks, Illustrator fails to wrap text in the path with complex effects. In this case, you need to remove this effect by expanding its appearance to solve the issue.

First, click “Object” in the top menu bar and choose “Expand Appearance” from the dropdown options. 

Now, check if the error message still persists. In case the path is still complex, you can delete it and create a new simple path.

Check for Overlapping Objects

When you select the path, make sure no other objects overlap the path you want to use for text. What if you found the overlapping object? Simply move the object somewhere else in the canvas or delete it if the shape isn’t necessary.

Use a Different Path Tool

Sometimes, using a different path tool, like the Pen Tool or Pencil Tool, can create a path that works for text. You can try these tools and see if they work.

Reopen Illustrator

When other software is running in the background, Illustrator’s performance can crash. 

Similarly, when you work with a complex design with many shapes and paths on the canvas, it can also affect the performance.

Delete all the unnecessary shapes and objects, and save the file. Close the Illustrator app, including other background software, then reopen the software. 

Check if it solved the text problem.

Conclusion

The non compound non masking path is essential for adding text to paths. However, it can often lead to error issues for several reasons, and you know the solutions! If you still can’t use the text in paths, you may have to begin from the start again.