Say I have two circles, and I wanted to make a donut-like shape, subtracting one circle from the other, how would I do this? Another case: say I have two paths, both form a semi-circle, and I want to join their paths to create a more complex shape, how do I do this? I tried using the join tool, but it won't let me join for some reason. Now I am thinking there might be a way to just combine shapes as whole objects like a boolean union. Can you do this in illustrator?
The Pathfinder panel is probably the best way to join, divide, etc. most objects, but not necessarily to do the two jobs you cite as examples.
The 'donut' is most easily achieved, after the two circles are aligned as you want, by selecting both and hitting Command-8 (Make Compound). This knocks the center circle out of the larger.
The second, the lines, may resist joining because they are each within their own group. To join line segments, you must select two endpoints of two ungrouped paths (or paths in the same group). So, choose your lines, ungroup them, then try to join them.
Ignatius did you know you just SAVED MY LIFE?! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was having so much trouble combining a bunch of shapes and when I ungrouped them, the pathfinder worked just as I needed in order to turn them into the same shape. Thank you thank you thank you
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