Shape Builder Tool

Shape Builder Tool

Use the Shape Builder Tool to quickly combine two or more shapes together or remove segments from shapes that have already been combined. 

When to use

The Shape Builder Tool is useful when you want to create a single shape from multiple shapes like combining several circles and ellipses together to make a cloud.

Instructions

Create Your Basic Shapes

• Use the Ellipse Tool (L) to drag out a few circles, and then use the handles to make some of them wider and more random.
• Position your shapes so that they're all overlapping.

Combining Your Shapes Together

• Select the Shape Builder Tool from the toolbar, or use the keyboard shortcut Shift+M.
• Click and drag through each of your overlapping circle shapes to merge them together.

Removing Segments of Shapes

• Add a square using the Rectangle Tool (M) and rotate it 45° so that it looks more diamond-like.
• Use the Ellipse Tool (L) to add a circle that overlaps your square.
• Select both shapes with your Selection Tool (V) and press 'D' on the keyboard to change both shapes to their default colors (solid white with a black outline).
• Grab the Shape Builder Tool (Shift+M) and instead of dragging through all of the shapes to combine them, hold the Alt/Option Key and click on the overlapping segment to remove it from your shapes.
• After removing the segment, move your shapes away from each other with the Selection Tool (V) to see the results.

Hints & tips

• Shift+M is the keyboard shortcut for the Shape Builder Tool.
• Clicking and dragging through overlapping shapes with the Shape Builder Tool merges them together.
• Holding the Alt/Option Key and clicking on an overlapping shape with the Shape Builder Tool removes the segment from the shape.