Introduction
Pathfinder is used for combining objects into new shapes, that can perform with at least two selected paths. Pathfinder panel is located at Window > Pathfinder. Below figure shows the tool
Shape Modes
Shape modes are used to combine multiple selected shapes in different ways. Once a shape mode is applied, the resulting shape is referred to as a compound shape. Using the Direct Selection tool, you can select the individual objects in the compound shape and edit them. Compound shape created from multiple selected objects, takes on the attributes of the topmost object.
Unite mode combines two or more shapes into one cohesive polygon. In the below circle and rectangle are combined to form single object using this mode. Combined object takes attribute from the rectangle (topmost item in the layer panel).
Minus Front shape mode eliminates the top shape layers and any overlaps, leaving behind the bottom shape and color. Intersect mode create a new shape by revealing the overlapped area and removing the top and bottom shape layers. Exclude shape mode eliminates the overlapping area and leaves behind the remaining polygons to create a complex shape.
Pathfinders
Pathfinder commands alter existing paths, shown by line segments. Unlike with compound shapes, when you use pathfinders, they do not retain their original objects. Options in pathfinders are
- Divide : It takes all selected objects and breaks them apart into individual shapes based on their overlapping parts.
- Trim: It removes all overlapping areas from the selected paths.
- Merge: It removes all overlapping areas from the selected paths and joins all areas of the same color.
- Crop. It takes the topmost selected object and removes all objects and areas beneath it that fall outside its path.
- Outline: It converts the selected shapes to outlines and divides the lines where they intersect.
- Minus Back. It is similar to the Minus font shape mode, but instead of using the top object to define the subtracted area, it uses the bottom object.