How to make a font into an object-so there's no fill behind the letters?

[MJ]

How do I get an end result of text on top of a fill area, where there is no fill underneath the letters?
I know it's like the "hole" in the fill when you're digitizing, but do I have to convert the text into an object -- then tell it that I don't want fill underneath the letters/objects?
I couldn't find anything about it in the Help files?
Thanks! MJ