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

[Wally Walrus]

Hi
I'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? 🙂

(see screenshot for more details)
Sorry for this stupid question, I tried to google it, without success ^^'

Thanks in advance! 😄

[Jacob Bugge · Accepted solution]

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%22applicab...

https://helpx.adobe.com/search-results.html?q=Live+Paint+Illustrator&facets_fields=%5B%22applicable_...

[Wally Walrus]

Oh Live Painter is the way to go then, thank you so much! 😄 ❤️
I'll read into it and for the outline strokes I'll simply create a new path 🙂 🙂 🙂

[Jacob Bugge]

For my part you are welcome, Wally.

[Myra Ferguson · Accepted solution]

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

[Wally Walrus]

Oh Live Paint is the way to go then, thank you so much! 😄 ❤️
I'll read into it and for the outline strokes I'll simply create a new path 🙂 🙂 🙂
This definitively keeps me going 😄