Step Two: Add a Polygon Shape

Next, we want to create a polygon object to act as a substitute for the dot of the "i". First, make sure that the text (now a path object) is selected. Then, on the Attribute Toolbar of the Path Edit Tool, go to the Mode menu and select Continue Draw. The text is then displayed as a wireframe, and you can go ahead and add another path object to it.

In this example, we will add a 6-pointed star to give a little sparkle to the dot on the "i". On the Attribute Toolbar, select Star as your polygon shape, then drag the cursor on the workspace to draw it. By default, the star shape has seven points. Adjust the number on the Attribute Toolbar to 6, or whichever number you want, and the star automatically changes to reflect your adjusted setting. Don't worry if the star is not positioned exactly the way you want. You can adjust its position while in Continue Draw mode (or later on in Edit mode) simply by dragging it to the position you want. Here, we have moved the star so that the dot of the "i" is centered inside it.

The dot of the "i" selected while in Continue Draw Mode (left), and a polygon shape added to the "i" and centered around the dot (right).

Now that you have added the polygon star shape, set the Mode back to 2D Object. We will set the Mode to one of the 3D modes later on. At this stage, 2D Object mode will show you more clearly how your object looks like as you are editing it.

In 2D Object mode, the star will be filled with a solid color, and you will not be able to see the dot of the "i" since it also has a solid color fill. To make the dot appear, switch to the Path Drawing Tool on the Tool Panel, then on the Options tab of the Tool Settings Panel (by default, this is docked on the right side of the workspace) select the Even-Odd Fill option. The dot then shows up as a transparent area on the star.

Even-Odd Fill not selected (left) and selected (right)