Combining Shapes
Method 1: Pathfinder Tool
- You use the Pathfinder panel (Window > Pathfinder) to combine objects into new shapes.
- Use the top row of buttons in the panel to make paths or compound paths. To make compound shapes, use the buttons in those rows while pressing the Alt or Option key.
- Challenge - Experiment with making compound shapes and paths with the pathfinder tool
- Resource:
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Method 2: Shape Builder Tool
Explore how to combine shapes in different ways using the Shape Builder tool.
Step 1: Download practice file
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Step 2: Open the file in Illustrator
Step 3: As a class, we will watch the Adobe video that shows how to combine shapes.
Step 4: Shape Builder Exercise
Step 5: Shape Builder / Combining Shape Exercise
For some ideas, be sure to check out some of the ideas / links on the rest of this page.
- "Save As" into your Illustrator folder as "yourname_combining_shapes.ai"
Step 3: As a class, we will watch the Adobe video that shows how to combine shapes.
- https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/how-to/shapes-basics.html
- We will be starting and stopping as needed to complete each of the tasks discussed.
- If you have headphones, feel free to race ahead at your own pace. You must do the entire exercise
Step 4: Shape Builder Exercise
- On the practice file that you downloaded, complete assignment as outlined in the video
Step 5: Shape Builder / Combining Shape Exercise
- In a new document(s) 66 pica wide X 51 pica high - Experiment with creating your own designs that combine simple or basic shapes.
- Your project will be marked in terms of:
- Effort
- Creativity
- Variety
- Complexity of designs
- Tools and methods used
- Overall presentation
- Remember Quality > Quantity
- When you are finished, submit your work through our Team Page
For some ideas, be sure to check out some of the ideas / links on the rest of this page.
What you should have learned:
- Select the shapes you want to combine with the Selection tool in the Tools panel.
- Select the Shape Builder tool in the Tools panel. Either drag across the shapes you’d like to combine or press Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and drag across or click parts of shapes to remove them.
- To move shapes with no fill color, use the Selection tool to drag them by their stroke.
Check these out:
- https://www.webucator.com/how-to/how-use-the-shape-builder-tool-adobe-illustrator.cfm
- https://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/illustrator-in-60-seconds-the-shape-builder-tool--cms-26567
- Create a fish: https://www.agitraining.com/adobe/illustrator/tutorials/combining-shapes-using-the-shape-builder-tool-in-illustrator
- https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Learning-Adobe-Illustrators-Shape-Builder-tool/161093260