Isn't the Shape Builder Tool the same as the Pathfinder Unite?

[jodmcc49]

After reading the information on the Shape Builder Tool, isn't it the same as using the Pathfinder Unite? Just curious.

Thanks,

John

[Met1]

No. You can combine shapes, subtract shapes, make the equivalent of compound paths and more, all with the same tool, in one pass.

There's a stack of youtube vids showing what it can do.

[Doug A Roberts]

It might sometimes create the same result, but there are significant differences. A simple example:

With shape builder, I can draw intersecting lines, click in the bounded area, and create a new shape.

[chanaart]

The Shape builder has a diffrent method behind the scene...all the Shapes builders in AI can do something the same soem diffrent...You need to check it step by step and see the diffrenece..for example:

Compound Path vs. Shape builder...Compound will crerate a com[pound from shapes that also not overlapping or ovelapping...shape builder you need to over ap..etc..

Fun thing to explore!

Chana

[Monika Gause]

It's a question of workflows. And there are more tools that do a comparable thing: Live paint, Compound shapes, the Shaper tool, pathfinder effects.

It will pay off to learn them all. They will add to your tool box. I've written about the differences here: https://www.vektorgarten.de/pathfinder-and-other-construction.html

[jodmcc49]

Thanks for the information Monika!