diff --git a/cq_editor/cq_utils.py b/cq_editor/cq_utils.py
index 361bd854..95632ab6 100644
--- a/cq_editor/cq_utils.py
+++ b/cq_editor/cq_utils.py
@@ -49,6 +49,8 @@ def to_compound(
         vals.extend(obj.vals())
     elif isinstance(obj, cq.Shape):
         vals.append(obj)
+    elif isinstance(obj, list) and not obj:
+        pass  # an empty list produces an empty compound (see #600)
     elif isinstance(obj, list) and isinstance(obj[0], cq.Workplane):
         for o in obj:
             vals.extend(o.vals())
diff --git a/tests/test_cq_utils.py b/tests/test_cq_utils.py
index 25601ea9..d545ff15 100644
--- a/tests/test_cq_utils.py
+++ b/tests/test_cq_utils.py
@@ -11,3 +11,12 @@ def test_to_compound_applies_sketch_placement():
 
     assert f.Area() == pytest.approx(1)
     assert f.normalAt().toTuple() == pytest.approx((0, -1, 0))
+
+
+def test_to_compound_empty_list():
+    # #600: to_compound([]) used to raise IndexError while type-checking obj[0].
+    result = to_compound([])
+
+    assert isinstance(result, cq.Compound)
+    assert result.Solids() == []
+    assert result.Faces() == []