Illustrator Shape Builder Tool Settings

[AdobeTC]

Hi All,

When I first installed and used Illustrator CS6, I was able to use the shape builder to select any areas/shapes, similar to the lasso tool. However, I may have accidentally changed some setting and now the shape builder tool only works in straight lines when cutting across shapes.

If anyone knows what setting I may have accidentally changed or how I may get shape builder to behave like it would normally do, your advise would be much appreciated.

Thank you for your help with this.

Kind Regards.

[tromboniator]

I do not have CS6, but if it is similar to Illustrator CC 2018 then double-clicking on the icon in the Tools panel will open Shape Builder Tool Options. There you should find the choice for Selection of either Straight Line or Freeform. Reset to your liking.

Peter

[AdobeTC]

Hi Peter,

Thank you for replying to my question.

When I double click the shape builder tool, the options I get are as in the screen shot below.

I cannot see an option for Selection of either Straight Line or Freeform.

Please let me know if I am looking at the wrong area for the selection.

Kind Regards.

[Monika Gause]

You are looking for an option that doesn't exist in CS6.

It was introduced later, so you will have to update.

[Muqqarib Hassan · Accepted solution]

Hi, These options are only avail in updated versions. So If you did use it earlier in your Cs6 then I suggest you reset your Illustrator Preferences to default through this you will get your default setting that you used. Thanks.

To restore preferences quickly using a keyboard shortcut. Press and hold Alt+Control+Shift (Windows) or Option+Command+Shift (macOS) as you start Illustrator. You are prompted to delete the current settings. The new preferences files are created the next time you start Illustrator

[AdobeTC]

Thank you all for your responses and taking the time to help.

Much appreciated.

My apologies, as I did use the shape builder tool on an updated trial version before I went back to the older full version CS6.

Kind Regards.

[Muqqarib Hassan]

You are welcome! 

Good Luck.

Regards :

Muqqarib

[denni2579]

Please can you tell me from which version onwards do these Options (selection options) become available? I have Adobe CC 17.1.0 and it is still not available. 

Thank you

[Monika Gause]

CC 2017.1.0 has those options.