combining shapes to make one

[ghostinzman]

Pretty new to illustrator. I want to combine some basic shapes to make one shape, and in one instance, I want to overlap one circle with another, then cut away all the overlaping parts. I did this once, but now i can't remember how.

 

[itchybug]

Ghost:

Look at the Pathfinder palette for these functions.

HTH

Bert

Bert Philippus -

http://www.itchybug.com

 

[PanelMaker]

The combining shapes thing is pretty easy. All you need to do is open the window cammed "pathfinder"
you should be default already have this window open. If not just open it up and click on the button labeled "Merge" It will look like a sold square over top of a circle, the icon is the thrid one from the left on the bottom row.

The cutaway thing that you mentioned is another easy one. Once again the Pathfinder pallete, there is a button labeled "Subtract from shape area" it is represented by a light colored square overtop of a dark colored square, it is the second across from the left on the top row.

I hope this answered your question.
-Alex

 

[itchybug]

Ghost/Alex:

Rather than using Merge, I'd suggest using "Add to Shape Area", first button top row, that way the appearance won't change.

Also, just clicking the buttons leaves the shapes intact, and Alt-click immediately expands the shapes into one...

HTH

Bert

Bert Philippus -

http://www.itchybug.com