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Design

Posted by Unsubscribed User
Unsubscribed User
14,547 Points

Need help with Pathfinder tool

In the "Using Pathfinder with Objects" lesson, when I click Merge with everything selected on the moon, it deletes everything but a couple of the moon spots, and the crescent shadow. What am I missing? Clearly I don't have the layers in the right order.

2 Answers

CJ Williams
CJ Williams
34,372 Points
CJ Williams
CJ Williams
34,372 Points

Could it be that you are trying to unite the objects rather than merge them? In the pathfinder panel, Merge is the 3rd option in the bottom row of options, while unite is the first option on the top row.

After you 'merge' everything try CTRL+SHIFT+[, as it could be an issue with your layering, and this will move the newly merged object to the back.

Unsubscribed User
Unsubscribed User
14,547 Points

I guess I needed to re-do outline stroke. It worked after that. I was pressing the merge button.

Robert Brown
Robert Brown
12,269 Points
Robert Brown
Robert Brown
12,269 Points

Merge will make everything you have selected into one object. What are you trying to do with the objects that you do have selected?

CJ Williams
CJ Williams
34,372 Points
CJ Williams
CJ Williams
34,372 Points

I believe you are referring to the 'Unite' Mode as well. The 'Merge' path tool will essentially create tow objects, individually-colored, knocking out back layers with the front-most layers. The 'Unite' mode will take all selected objects and create one grouped object, taking on the color characteristics of the top-most layer. After objects are united, they can then be converted into a compound path by pressing CTRL + 8.