Select the items to which you want to apply the Pathfinder option:
- Use the Selection tool to select the objects or group.
- From the Layers panel, select one or more layers.
Last updated on
Sep 11, 2025
Learn how to use Pathfinder options and effects to add, remove, or divide objects based on their overlapping areas.
Set Pathfinder options
You can apply options from the Pathfinder panel to objects, groups, and layers. When you apply a Pathfinder option, you permanently change the original objects. Some options also allow you to create compound shapes that retain the original objects. You can’t hide, modify, or remove any Pathfinder option from the Appearance panel.
Select Window > Pathfinder to open the Pathfinder panel.
Select the panel menu , select Pathfinder Options, and then set Precision, Remove Redundant Points, and Divide and Outline Will Remove Unpainted Artwork, if needed.
In the Pathfinder panel, select an option from the Shape Modes or Pathfinders section. If the result contains multiple objects, they are automatically grouped.
To apply the last used Pathfinder option on another selection, select Repeat <Pathfinder option> in the panel menu.
Apply Pathfinder effects
You can apply Pathfinder effects from the Effect menu only to groups, text objects, and layers that contain groups or text objects. After you apply an effect, you can still edit the original objects. You can also use the Appearance panel to hide, modify, or remove a Pathfinder effect.
Select the items to which you want to apply the Pathfinder effect:
- Use the Selection tool to select the group or text objects.
- From the Layers panel, select the layer that contains the group or text objects.
Select Effect > Pathfinder, and then select an effect.
To apply the last used Pathfinder effect on another selection, select Effect > Apply <Pathfinder effect>.
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