Combining Paths: Retaining Strokes With Precision

Joining paths without getting rid of strokes is a common task in graphic design, especially when creating vector art or working with laser cutters. This can be achieved using various software tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Figma, and Illustrator CS5. One approach is to use the Join tool or keyboard shortcuts to connect anchor points and join lines without affecting the strokes. Another method involves flattening or merging paths using the Pathfinder or Shape Builder Tool. Additionally, techniques like outlining strokes, using the Direct Selection Tool, or applying gradients to strokes can help achieve the desired result of joining paths while retaining the stroke appearance.

Use the Direct Selection Tool to select and connect anchor points

Joining paths without getting rid of the stroke can be done in Adobe Illustrator. This can be done by selecting and connecting anchor points using the Direct Selection Tool. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, access the Direct Selection Tool. In Adobe Illustrator, you can find it in the Tools panel. Alternatively, press "A" on your keyboard to select it. The pointer will turn into an arrow.

Now, you can select the anchor points you want to join. Position the arrow on the edge of the path and click to select a segment, then click on an anchor point to select it. You can also select an anchor point directly by hovering the pointer over a path and clicking on the anchor point.

To select multiple anchor points or segments, hold down the Shift key and click on the desired items. You can also drag a marquee across the object to select the entire path.

Once you have selected the anchor points you want to join, go to the overhead menu and choose Object > Path > Join. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut. For Mac users, it's Command + J, and for Windows users, it's Ctrl + J.

If you want to join two anchor points from different paths, you might need to take an extra step to align the anchor points first. After selecting the anchor points, press Option + Command + J (Mac) or Alt + Ctrl + J (Windows) to bring up the Average option. Choose "Both" and click OK. Now, the anchor points will be aligned but still on separate lines. Finally, select both lines and use the keyboard shortcut to join them.

By following these steps, you can connect anchor points and join paths without getting rid of the stroke in Adobe Illustrator.

Use the Join Tool to connect paths at their intersection point

Joining paths without getting rid of the stroke can be done in a few different ways, depending on the software you are using.

Adobe Illustrator

The quickest way to join lines in Adobe Illustrator is by using the join path keyboard shortcut. First, select the lines or anchor points you want to join, then use the keyboard shortcut Command + J for Mac or Ctrl + J for Windows. If you prefer not to use the keyboard shortcut, you can go to the overhead menu and choose Object > Path > Join.

However, this method does not always work as expected, and you may need to take an extra step to align the anchor points first. You can do this by using the Direct Selection Tool (keyboard shortcut A) to select the anchor points you want to join, then using the keyboard shortcut Option + Command + J (Mac) or Alt + Ctrl + J (Windows) to bring up the Average option. Choose "Both" and click OK. Now, select both lines and use the keyboard shortcut Command + J to join them.

Figma

In Figma, you can join two paths by first making sure they are part of the same vector. To do this, select the paths and use the Flatten tool (Ctrl + E). Then, select the points you want to connect and join them using Vector > Join Selection (Ctrl + J) or by using the Pen tool.

General Tips

When joining paths, it is important to note that you can only join the open ends of paths, not the middle of a path. Additionally, you cannot join more than one path to an end anchor point. If you are unable to join paths, it may be because they are in different layers or because they are compound paths, closed paths, text, graphs, or live paint groups.

Use the Flatten option to make both lines part of the same vector

To use the Flatten option to make both lines part of the same vector, follow these steps:

• Open the Layers menu.
• Click the menu icon in the top-right corner of the Layers menu.
• Select "Flatten Artwork" from the options.

This will merge all layers into a single layer, effectively flattening your image.

Alternatively, if you only want to merge specific layers instead of flattening the entire image:

• Open the Layers menu.
• Hold Shift and click on the layers you want to merge.
• Click the menu icon and select "Merge Selected".

This will combine the selected layers into a single layer.

If you are using Adobe Illustrator, you can also try the following steps to flatten your design:

• Select all objects.
• Ungroup the objects (if necessary).
• Go to Object -> Expand and repeat this step several times to ensure there are no strokes/lines or symbols, and everything is a fill.
• Go to Pathfinder -> Merge.

Additionally, you can use the Pathfinder panel to fuse all paths. Select all the outer paths and click on "Unite" to remove overlaps and turn them into a single path.

Use the Pathfinder tool to merge shapes

The Pathfinder tool in Adobe Illustrator is a great way to merge multiple shapes into one. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Step 1: Create or Import Your Shapes

Open Adobe Illustrator and create the shapes you want to merge. Alternatively, you can import existing shapes or objects that you want to combine.

Step 2: Select the Shapes

Use the Selection Tool to select all the shapes or objects you want to merge. Make sure they overlap or are at least aligned with each other.

Step 3: Open the Pathfinder Panel

Go to the Window menu and select Pathfinder to open the Pathfinder panel. Here, you'll find different options to modify and combine your selected shapes.

Step 4: Choose a Merge Option

In the Pathfinder panel, you'll see several buttons that represent different merge options. Here are some common options:

• Unite: This will combine all selected shapes into a single shape while preserving any overlapping areas.
• Crop: This will divide the shapes and remove any parts that don't fit inside the new combined shape.
• Merge: This will remove hidden areas and bring together touching shapes with the same colour.
• Divide: This will separate the shapes into individual sections.
• Intersect: This will trace the outlines of the regions hidden by other shapes.
• Exclude: This will trace the parts that are not layered on top of each other, making overlapping areas transparent.

Step 5: Apply the Merge

Click on your desired merge option in the Pathfinder panel. Your selected shapes should now be merged according to the chosen option.

Tips and Tricks:

• Always keep a copy of your original shapes before merging, in case you need to go back or make changes.
• Start with simple merge techniques and then progress to more complex ones.
• Maintain consistency in your design by ensuring the merged shape complements the overall style.
• Keep the design simple by minimising the number of shapes used.
• Pay attention to anchor points to avoid creating unnecessary complexity.
• Check for any overlapping or unwanted shapes after merging.

Use the Shape Builder Tool to join paths

The Shape Builder Tool in Adobe Illustrator is a powerful and versatile tool that allows you to create complex shapes from simple ones. Here's how you can use it to join paths without getting rid of the stroke:

Selecting and Activating the Shape Builder Tool:

To begin, you need to select the shapes you want to work with. Then, activate the Shape Builder Tool by clicking on its icon in the toolbar or pressing Shift+M. You can also access the tool's options panel by double-clicking on the icon, allowing you to adjust the fill and stroke colour, cursor size, and gap detection settings. Gap detection is particularly useful for creating seamless shapes as it automatically closes small gaps between shapes.

Combining and Merging Shapes:

One of the most common uses of the Shape Builder Tool is to combine and merge multiple shapes into one. Simply drag your cursor over the shapes you want to join, and they will be filled with the same colour and merged into a single shape.

Removing Strokes for a Smooth Outline:

If you want to create a smooth outline without getting rid of the stroke, you can hold down the Alt or Option key while dragging your cursor over the shapes. This will remove the strokes of the shapes, resulting in a smooth outline. This technique is handy for creating organic shapes, such as flowers, animals, or characters.

Modifying and Adjusting Shapes:

The Shape Builder Tool is not just for creating shapes but also for modifying them. You can use it to reshape, resize, or rotate your shapes by dragging the handles that appear around them. For more precise adjustments, use the arrow keys to nudge your shapes by small increments or hold down the Shift key to move them by larger increments.

Additionally, you can use the Direct Selection Tool (A) or the Lasso Tool (Q) to select and modify individual anchor points or segments of your shapes, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments to your illustration.

Creating Complex Shapes:

By combining the Shape Builder Tool's abilities to combine, subtract, and intersect shapes, you can create complex shapes from simple ones. Experiment with different combinations, subtractions, and intersections to explore the tool's creative possibilities. Remember that you can always use the Undo (Ctrl+Z or Command+Z) or Revert (F12) commands to go back and try something else.

Additional Tips:

• Hold down the Alt or Option key while dragging to remove strokes and create smooth outlines.
• Use the Direct Selection Tool or Lasso Tool for fine-tuned adjustments to individual anchor points or segments.
• Experiment with different combinations, subtractions, and intersections to explore creative possibilities.
• Use the gap detection feature to automatically close small gaps between shapes for seamless shapes.

Frequently asked questions