Combine shapes in different ways

An effective way to create more complex artwork is to combine simpler artwork in different ways using the Shape Builder tool and Pathfinder effects.

Combine shapes with the Shape Builder tool

1. Select the shapes you want to combine.
2. Select the Shape Builder tool in the Toolbar. The Shape Builder tool lets you combine or remove shapes you select.
3. Drag across shapes to combine them.

Remove shapes with the Shape Builder tool

• To remove parts of shapes, press the Option key (macOS) or the Alt key (Windows) and click or drag across the artwork.

Combine shapes with Pathfinder effects

Pathfinder effects allow you to combine shapes in more ways than the Shape Builder tool. With multiple shapes selected, you can apply a Pathfinder effect by clicking the effect in the Properties panel.

• To see more Pathfinder effects, click More Options in the Pathfinder section of the Properties panel.