Illustrator Tutorial: Combining Multiple Shapes into One – Pathfinder Tool

I previously wrote a tutorial on how to cut out a shape from another using the Pathfinder Tool in Illustrator. This tutorial teaches you how to do the opposite; how to combine multiple shapes into one using the Pathfinder Tool.

This is very useful when designing logos in which you need to combine several generic shapes in order to create a unique shape. It’s also useful when preparing a design to send to a client or printer.

Start by creating several shapes and position them so they overlap each other.

Select all the shapes using the  “Selection Tool”.

While all the shapes are selected, select the “Pathfinder Tool” (displayed below in red). Now select the “Unite” selection (displayed below in green).

Your shapes should now be combined to form a single shape.

Now “combine” (no pun intended) this Pathfinder Tool tutorial with the tutorial on how to cut out a shape from another using the Pathfinder Tool in order to design unique shapes and graphics.

 
If you’re looking for a full-featured course, this might help you also: Illustrator Fundamentals