Combining shapes? 1

[Merahk]

Hi! Intermediate user of Illustrator here

I am trying to combine some shapes:

http://www.ancient-sun.com/ftp/ahms/art/sun.JPG

Basically, I want the "sun" design in the middle to be one continuous image. As you can see though, the circle I used as a template is in the way where the flames connect. How can I get rid of those? I only know the eraser tool at the moment and it's very messy using that.

Thanks!

 

[apepp]

...do the options in the pathfinder palette not help it to work? merge, combine etc etc...

Andrew

 

[apepp]

..can you post a colour version rather than preview mode?

Andrew

 

[Merahk]

Thanks a lot! I got it!

 

[Merahk]

I have another question. Using the same picture above, I am trying to make another path that outlines the sun-path there, so it will be that sun design inside another sun. I can't just copy/resize that one though because it doesn't fit correctly.

Is there an easy way to do it or do I have to create an outline by hand? Thanks!

 

[apepp]

...try the offset command on the path you want to offset, you may need to work on a copy of the path, there are two ways:

1. object > path > offset path (enter values).

2. effect > path > offset path (enter values and turn preview on). With this method you will then have to go to object > expand appearance to get a the paths.

With both methods you will need to delete the unwanted paths these methods produce with the direct select tool (white arrow) or release the compound path and select the path in the layers palette (select all + object > compound path release).

Andrew