Then, when you’re ready to combine them, click “Expand.”įor example, I’ve selected the 2 shapes above, and while holding down the option/alt key, clicked the Unite button. You can do this by holding down the option/alt key, while clicking on 1 of the Shape Modes.

However, there may be times you want to GROUP 2 shapes together (as if they are 1 shape), but not actually combine them into 1 shape.

In the newer versions of Illustrator, when you use a Shape Mode, Illustrator automatically “expands” (combines) your selected shapes - this is why the Expand button is not clickable. The Expand button can only be used for Shape Modes. Intersect: Intersect creates a new shape where the other 2 shapes overlap.Įxclude: Exclude cuts the space where the selected 2 shapes overlap. Minus Front: Minus Front cuts out the bottom shape where the front shape overlaps it.

The color converts to whatever the top shape color is. Unite: Unite combines the selected shapes into 1 shape. Here’s the Pathfinder Palette in Illustrator (Window > Pathfinder), along with the names of all the buttons. Step-by-step guide on the Pathfinder Palette The video is broke up into 4 parts, and the step-by-step transcript can be found below: 1. In this tutorial, we’re going to do a quick run-through of its basic functions. It’s really handy to master because it helps you make neater-looking vector images and speeds up your overall workflow. It makes it easier to combine paths, divide objects and subtract shapes. The Pathfinder Palette is one of the most useful tools in Adobe Illustrator.

Adobe illustrator pathfinder panel