Help - Combining two shapes into one keeps each shape outline.

Question

I need to combine two shapes to create one shape and apply a stroke to the outside of the new shape.

I have tried Unite, Merge, Shape Builder, and Expand then Unite. All of them result in the same thing.

The two shapes are touching, but do not overlap, and they have no stroke applied. When trying any of these methods, it keeps the shapes in tact (but essentially grouping them), so that when I add a stroke to what should be the new one shape, it does it around each one! I can change the fill color without a problem - it will fill the entire new shape. Applying a stroke is the issue.

Umakorn Brouwers · Accepted Answer

I have found that if you work in the Outline mode (View>Outline) and visually make the two shapes butt perfectly then the Unite Pathfinder will still work. Working in outline eliminates the line widths so you can see the exact "butting point" clearly and adjust until you see just one line. However, it still requires that there is a common edge that has the same approximate length and angle. Otherwise my original suggestion would still be necessary.

Also you could use 'Object - path - Average' (alt+ctrl+J (on win)) to make sure the points butt.

Bill Silbert · Answer

What happens if you select the edge of one of the shapes using the Direct Selection tool and move that edge to slightly overlap the other shape and then apply the Unite Pathfinder?

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