Creating outlines in illustrator

[apnnyc]

Are there any reasons why Illustrator won't let you create an outline of something that you typed? I typed something and then added an arc to it. could that be the problem? the option is grayed out on the menu for me.

[CkretAjint]

When effects are present use, Edit > Expand Appearance

[apnnyc]

Expand Appreance is under "Objects" for me and that, too, is greyed out...what does Flatten Transparency do? That seemed to outline it when I clicked it...

[CkretAjint]

Yeah, under object. My bad.

Expand? Is that optional??

Also, make sure you item is selected before you expand it. Or else it WILL be grayed out. ;)

[B'elanna Torres]

What is the difference in

Object --> Expand Appearance
and
Type --> Create Outlines?

Changing the letterforms with my Direct Selection Tool will give the same result.

[CkretAjint]

There is an effects (i hope not filter) on his type, so one needs to flatten the effect first before outlining the type.