Create a compound path
You can create a compound path from two or more open or closed paths. When you create a compound path, all of the originally selected paths become subpaths of the new compound path. The selected paths inherit the stroke and fill settings of the object farthest back in the stacking order.
Note: If one or more selected
objects have contents, such as text or imported images, the attributes
and contents of a compound path are set by the attributes and contents
of the object farthest back. Selected objects farther behind, without contents,
won’t affect the compound path.
You can change the shape
of any part of a compound path by using the Direct Selection tool 
to
select an anchor point on one subpath.
- Use the Selection tool
to
select all of the paths you want to include in the compound path. - Choose Object > Paths > Make Compound Path. A hole appears wherever selected paths overlap.
You can fill a hole created by a subpath
or turn a subpath into a hole. Using the Direct Selection tool,
select a point on the subpath you want to change. Then select Object >
Paths > Reverse Path.