How to combine different objects into one single object (in AE (Adobe Illustrator))?

Question

Adobe Illustrator

Tell me please. I can't resolve this issue.
Rendered so that each object lies separately - joxi.ru/el2ZY6JcNDOLmJ
How to make one single object from all of them so that you can (for example) apply the gradient evenly. Now it looks like this - joxi.ru/lbrRn6XtnyM3r1
Thank you!

Answer 1

Select everything and press Ctrl + 8 - this is called Make compond path (Create a compound path).
And then it will be possible to fill with a gradient from the top to the bottom of the entire single object.

Answer 2

Use the new Adobe Illustrator CC 2015.2 Shaper Tool
to merge. In this case, all objects will merge but remain dynamic