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Playmaxx
Participant
June 10, 2026
Question

How to combine multiple shape paths into one

  • June 10, 2026
  • 6 replies
  • 77 views
Two Shapes that have the same anchor points
One one anchor point moves, the other one stays at the same place

Why can’t i tell my shapes to use the same paths/anchors. i don’t want to edit multiple anchor points ALL the time, i want to be able to grab a single anchor point and all the shapes that use that anchor will move with it. Why is that not possible? how can such a simple feature that every 3D modeling program has, not be implemented into Illustrator????

    6 replies

    renél80416020
    Inspiring
    June 15, 2026

    Bonjour ​@Playmaxx 

    Oui c’est frustrant, je vous ai fait un petit script qui j’espère pourra vous convenir.

    René

    // JavaScript Document
    // de Landry R elleere
    // Sun, 14 June 2026 20:52:27 GMT
    /* Attribue aux points sélectionnés autre que le points[0] de la sélection les propriétés du point[0].
    Le point[0] est celui qui est situé au premier plan.
    deux tracés au moins doivent appartenir à la sélection.*/
    var pathes = [];
    var pointA = [];
    extractPathPoints(selection,pathes,pointA);
    if (pathes.length > 1)
    for (k = 1; k < pointA.length; k++) {
    pointIdent(pointA[0],pointA[k]);
    }
    else alert("Sélectionnez au moins deux tracés");
    // -------
    function extractPathPoints(s,tabs,point){
    var p = [];
    for(var i = 0; i < s.length; i++){
    if (s[i].typename == "PathItem" && !s[i].guides && !s[i].clipping) {
    tabs.push(s[i]);
    p = s[i].selectedPathPoints;
    for (var k = 0; k < p.length; k++) {
    if (isSelected(p[k])) {
    point.push(p[k]);
    }
    }
    } else if(s[i].typename == "GroupItem"){
    // Cherche les objets de types pageItems dans ce groupe, récursivement
    extractPathPoints(s[i].pageItems,pp_length_limit,tabs,point);
    } else if(s[i].typename == "CompoundPathItem"){
    // Cherche les objets de type PathItem dans ce tracé transparent, récursivement
    extractPathPoints(s[i].pathItems,pp_length_limit,tabs,point);
    }
    }
    }
    // -------
    function isSelected(p){ // PathPoint
    return p.selected == PathPointSelection.ANCHORPOINT;
    }
    // -------
    function pointIdent(pt1,pt2)
    {// attribue au point pt2 les propriétés du point pt1
    with(pt2){
    anchor = pt1.anchor;
    leftDirection = pt1.leftDirection;
    rightDirection = pt1.rightDirection;
    pointType = pt1.pointType;
    }
    }
    // -------

     

    Nataliia_M
    Inspiring
    June 13, 2026

    I understand your frustration, but I guess vectors just work differently from 3D modelling. In such situations, the most efficient way I see is:

    1. to release the compound path of the lower shape (brown), then unite all its parts through Pathfinder panel;
    2. to adjust the upper shape (golden) anchor points. Then copy it (ctrl/cmd+C), Paste in Back (ctrl/cmd+B);
    3. with that pasted in back shape still selected, use Shift to select the lower shape and apply Pathfinder->Minus Front.

    It's not a perfect way, but at least you don’t have to adjust every anchor point twice. Especially considering that manual adjusting will not be perfect anyway.

     

    Warmly, Nataliia
    Ton Frederiks
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    June 10, 2026

    You can move an rotate them when you select both points with the Lasso Tool.

    If you transform a single point, you can transform another one by choosing Transform Again (Cmd or Ctrl +D).

    Ton Frederiks
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    June 10, 2026

    You can move an rotate them when you select both points with the Lasso Tool.

    If you transform a single point, you can transform another one by choosing Transform Again (Cmd or Ctrl +D).

    Ton Frederiks
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    June 10, 2026

    @Playmaxx You can use the Lasso tool to select both points

    Playmaxx
    PlaymaxxAuthor
    Participant
    June 10, 2026

    this works if i only MOVE them, but as soon as i want to change any angles it will not work anymore...

    Tina_Irvine
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    June 10, 2026

    Hi ​@Playmaxx,

    If you lock the outer shape, then use the white direct selection tool to select an area by dragging it over (click and drag to make a selection box/area) all of the anchor points you’d like, it will select them all at once, and then you can move them simultaneously.

    Playmaxx
    PlaymaxxAuthor
    Participant
    June 10, 2026

    doesnt work when i want to change any angles.