Pathfinder Tool

Pathfinder Tool

The Pathfinder Tools help to create complex shapes easily. 

When to use

Use the Pathfinder Tools to create complex shapes like logos and layouts. 

Instructions

Open the Pathfinder Panel

Access the Pathfinder Panel by going to Window > Pathfinder or press Shift + F7 on the keyboard. 

Understanding the Pathfinder Tools - Shape Modes

• Begin with two shapes. One filled with white and one with solid black. 
• Select the shape with the Selection Tool (V) and then click and press Command/Ctrl + Alt/Opt + Shift and drag to duplicate the shape. 
• Select both shapes. In the Pathfinder Panel, under Shape Modes, select your desired option:
  • 'Unite' creates one uniform shape. 
  • 'Minus Front' subtracts the front shape from the back shape. 
  • 'Intersect' keeps the intersection between two shapes.  
  • 'Exclude' removes the intersection between two shapes. To see it better, ungroup (Command/Ctrl + Shift + G) the shapes and move them apart. 

Understanding the Pathfinder Tools - Pathfinders

• Begin with two shapes. One filled with white and one with solid black. 
• Select the shape with the Selection Tool (V) and then click and press Command/Ctrl + Alt/Opt + Shift and drag to duplicate the shape. 
• Select both shapes. In the Pathfinder Panel, under Pathfinders, select your desired option:
  • 'Divide' separates the shape along intersecting points and keeps the outline of the new shape. 
  • 'Trim' knocks the top shape out from the bottom shape. 
  • 'Merge' unites the shape in place. 
  • 'Crop' keeps the points where the two shapes overlap. 
  • 'Outline' will outline the shapes. 
  • 'Minus Back' subtracts the shape that is in the back from the shape that is in front. 

Hints & tips

• Default Colors shortcut is 'D'
• Bring to Front shortcut is Command/Ctrl + Shift + ] - Use it when you want to bring an object all the way to the front. 
• Bring Forewards shortcut is Command/Ctrl + ] - Use it to bring an object to the front incrementally. 
• Send to Back shortcut is Command/Ctrl + Shift + [
• Send Backward shortcut is Command/Ctrl + [
• Group shortcut is Command/Ctrl + Shift + G
• Ungroup shortcut is Command/Ctrl + G