how to join/combine/merge paths without creating new lines?

Question

HiI've been using Ai for one day now, and the thing I struggle most with:I'm drawing with my pen tablet. This creates lots of single paths.I'd like to combine them all, so I can do stuff like fill or outline strokes.So I'd need to join them. But when I try this, it creates new ugly lines that connect random path ends.How can I achieve this withouth creating those new unwanted lines? &#128578;(see screenshot for more details)Sorry for this stupid question, I tried to google it, without success ^^'Thanks in advance! &#128516;

Myra Ferguson · Accepted Answer

If you'd like to color in your shapes, instead of combining the lines, try using Live Paint: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/live-paint-groups.html

Jacob Bugge · Answer

Wally,

As I (mis)understand it, you can use the Shape Builder Tool or Live Paint.

You can have a look here and/or here:

https://helpx.adobe.com/search-results.html?q=Shape+Builder+Illustrator&facets_fields=%5B%22applicable_products%22%5D&post_facet_filters=%7B%22applicable_products%22%3A%5B%22Adobe+Illustrator%22%5D%7D&scope=%5B%22helpx%22%5D&subscope=%5B%5D&limit=10&start_index=0&sort_orderby=relevancy&sort_order=desc

https://helpx.adobe.com/search-results.html?q=Live+Paint+Illustrator&facets_fields=%5B%22applicable_products%22%5D&post_facet_filters=%7B%22applicable_products%22%3A%5B%22Adobe+Illustrator%22%5D%7D&scope=%5B%22helpx%22%5D&subscope=%5B%5D&limit=10&start_index=0&sort_orderby=relevancy&sort_order=desc

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Scanning file for viruses.

This file cannot be downloaded