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

[Amanda27648943wp2f]

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. 

[Ton Frederiks]

Did you try the Shape Builder tool? (Shift M)

[Amanda27648943wp2f]

Yes, as I mentioned, it did not work.

[Monika Gause]

Please show how this looks in the layers panel.

[Amanda27648943wp2f]

Attached. I also tried separating the shapes into two layers. The result is the same.

[Monika Gause]

When you zoom in real close: is there really no gap between those shapes?

Also: in the shapebuilder tool: is the gap detection turned on?

In Pathfinder: how are the options set up?

[Amanda27648943wp2f]

Zoomed to 3200%, yes, a very slim gap.

Thank you for pointing out the "gap detection." I tested that on two other shapes and it worked. However, with the two I shared, it will NOT make it one shape. It actually keeps them as two objects - they won't combine at all. Not sure why. I tried changing the gap length (small, medium, large) - they will not combine into one shape.

Shape Builder and Pathfinder option screenshots attached.

[Monika Gause]

When there is a slim gap, then with the shapebuilder tool you have to carefully drag across, so that the gap is highlighted as well. Only then it will be combined.

What you can do with a shape like that:

Group the shapes

Apply Effect > Path > Offset path (with a value that closes the gap)

Apply Effect > Pathfinder > Add

Apply Effect > Path > Offset path (same value as in the beginnen, but negative)

Expand appearance

You can save the effects as a graphic style for later use, so that in the future you just need to group, apply the graphic style and expand appearance.

[Bill Silbert · Accepted solution]

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?

[Amanda27648943wp2f]

It worked. However, that would make this quite a tedious process since I am using a map with a lot of county shapes! There must be a way to combine multiples without having to slightly overlap any of them.

[Ton Frederiks]

Did you try Live Paint? Beware that it will separate strokes and fills after expanding.

[Amanda27648943wp2f]

Tried Live Paint. Result is the same. Adding a stroke still detects individual shapes rather than the one.

[Bill Silbert]

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.

[Umakorn Brouwers · Accepted solution]

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