Grouping/Merging all Illustrator layers together

[pazazlm]

Hello All! We just purchased a large format printer that will print and then cut out vector images. I am using Illustrator CS3 and have two EPS logos that I would like to print and cut around but the text/objects are layered. My main problem is when I add the ContourCut Stoke line around the text it cuts into the graphics underneath it. Does anyone know if there is a way to group all of the Illustrator layers together so that you only have have one layer to outline instead of each individual layer? I have tried flattening the artwork, grouping etc, but nothing works. There has to be a way to group them isn't there?

Thanks!

[CkretAjint]

Windows > Pathfinder > Merge.

Make sure you convert all the stroke to outlines. Then use divide and merge the same colors together into one shape. You might have to 'copy' and 'paste in place' the same layer a few times to get the desired effect you want with it.

[pazazlm]

Thanks for your reply. I tried to follow your instuctions but still couldn't get it to work.

[PrintDriver]

Are you just trying to make a cut path that goes around all of your artwork?
If so, unlock all layers, make sure all text is converted to outlines, make sure all strokes are converted to outline, set layers tip arrow so that Paste does not remember layers, select all, copy, lock all layers, create new layer, paste all into new layer. Use Pathfinder>Add to shape area, then Expand. You may have to add bleed to your original art as plotters that print and cut can be off by a little bit. If you don't want white to show around your art, learn to bleed.