how do I combine vectors so that overlapping sections are hidden (by the topmost image)?

[xtrae]

hello, I don't know if I'm asking the question correctly, but... I have a few vector images I'm trying to combine into a single composite image. How do I make the overlapping portions hidden underneath the topmost image? For instance, if I were combining these two images below, so that the "vintage premium design" image appeared in front of the swords image in the center of it, thus covering part of the swords; how would I do that? Thank you very much.

[edgrimley]

Provided all the shapes have a fill, group them and place that layer on top.

[xtrae]

hello edgrimley I'm afraid, not all the shapes of each vector have a fill... There are some "holes" or clear spaces in parts of the image where the vector underneath shows through.

[Sebastian Bleak]

Since you are missing some fills, you can also draw a base shape filled in with white to cover the holes.

Vintage Premium Design (on top)

New fill in the shape of VPD logo (in the middle)

Sword Logo (on the bottom)

There are many ways to work with this, I hope this helps

[xtrae]

Hello Sebastian, I'm afraid I am illustrator-illiterate. I've tried the pathfinder/combined-shapes bits and still can't figure it out. I can't draw/trace the shape outline either. How do I do this, please? Many thanks.

[Monika Gause]

To fill in the "holes" in the words, use the live paint feature.

Please research that in the documentation.

Then put the words in front of the swords.

Then apply a new fill to the live paint object via the appearance panel.

To learn how to use the appearance panel: look it up in the documentation.

Move the fill behind the "Contents" and color it white.

Apply the effect "Offset path" to just the white fill.

How to use "Offset path": please refer to the documentation.

This will create some white space around the words. You will need it in order to beable to read it.

I can't spare you the documentation parts.

You will need to learn some basics in order to use this software.

[xtrae]

Monika Gause​, thank you so much. I think it's solved! It's tough to know what features to even look up in the documentation. I'd been struggling with the pathfinder and shape modes. Thank you again!

[Monika Gause]

You're welcome.

The toughest part in using Illustrator is knowing the methods and learning the vocabulary. Once you've got that, everything comes together like a puzzle.

You've solved that puzzle - awesome!