Merging the shapes #Buy a book
In Illustrator, FreeHand, and you can create new shapes by combining overlapping objects. When used properly merge commands allow you to create complex works even without using the Pen tool and edit Bezier curves. This technique is particularly used when performing similar orders from the same customer. In Illustrator, merge commands are given by using the Pathfinder, and FreeHand are known as teams combining.
Pathfinder commands are located on the palette Pathfinder. (In earlier versions of Illustrator are represented as filters.) Make sure that before applying the commands in this palette all the objects selected.
Unite command is applied to all selected objects. When overlapping objects they converted into a complex shape. If some of the pieces do not intersect, the result is a figure based on a compound path. (In detail about them, see the section “Use of compound paths (Combining figures)” in this chapter).
Intersect command is used to create a new shape based on the overlapping areas of the selected figures.
Exclude command removes all areas of any objects, overlapping with the lowest object. All information is converted into a compound path.
Minus Front operation is performed to remove the data from all the overlapping regions with the lowest object.
Minus Back command affects only the topmost object. All the data lying underneath is deleted together with overlapping areas.
Divide operation is applied depending on the type of circuit – open or closed. If you select overlapping pieces, the result of this operation is that they are separated by the contour intersection shapes. If you select a group of objects containing the open crossing its contours, the figure will be divided to these circuits. The new shapes as th result of division of the old shapes are automatically grouped. To manage them independently, click Object → Ungroup.
This command allows you to hide part of the data of overlapping shapes. New formed at the same time, the figures are automatically grouped. To be able to manage them individually, choose Objects → Ungroup.
Merge command does the same thing as Trim, only one big exception: if some overlapping objects have the same fill, they merge into a single object. The resulting division of the old shapes new automatically while grouped. To manage them independently, click Object → Ungroup.
Crop command is used to cut area of the lower object by the contour of upper shapes. The resulting division of the old shapes are new and automatically will be grouped. To manage them independently, click Object → Ungroup.
Outline command It allows you to convert the overlapping shapes in subtle contours superimposed on each other in accordance with the order of the contours. Color contour corresponds to the fill color image of his figure. The color of the boundary lines, for certain shapes before, the colors of the new circuit is not affected. The resulting division of the old shapes new automatically while grouped. To manage them independently, click Object → Ungroup.
The Trap command of the Pathfinder palette is described in «Trapping» chapter.