Adobe Illustrator for Windows - Combining objects

Author

Combining objects

V._Bost@adobeforums.com

2007-07-16, 10:18 pm

Sorry to repost, but I'm really hoping someone can provide an answer to this one:

I'm a very new user and struggling to do simple tasks I can do in my sleep using the illustration software I previously used (CorelDraw). I've managed to fumble my way through most things, but I'm stumped on this one. In Draw, I could combine objects in v
arious ways. Among them are "combine" (works the same as Illustrator's "make compound path") and "weld" (creates one solid object with no gap where the two objects overlapped). Is there any way to do the latter in Illustrator?

Thanks.

~V

Stephen_Fish@adobeforums.com

2007-07-16, 10:18 pm

V:

Check out the Pathfinder Palette (Window> Pathfinder).

steve

diane_bryan@adobeforums.com

2007-07-24, 6:20 am

Specifically, to make two filled paths into a single filled path (they are already the same color), select both, and click the Pathfinder button called "Merge".

Sometimes Illustrator just can't figure out how to do that and you may have to join things by hand. It's really not horrible-- and not very common that one has to do this if objects are otherwise joinable.

To join inherently joinable paths, turn on Smart Guides (CTRL + U). Then use the scissors (C) to cut the paths at the intersection points. Next, delete the segment you don't want.
Last, use your Lasso tool (Q) to encircle the two loose points and click "CTRL + J" to join.

I hope you don't have to do it manually very often!

d

V._Bost@adobeforums.com

2007-07-25, 6:27 pm

Sorry for the late reply. Many thanks to you both!

~V

Stephen_Fish@adobeforums.com

2007-07-25, 6:27 pm

V:

You are welcome.

steve