Pathfinder creating groups (Illustrator 2021)

[brechts11143680]

I've updated to Illustrator 2021.

Ever since updating I've noticed that the Pathfinder function - more specifically the Unite and Merge -

create groups instead of connecting two shapes together.

This is extremely weird as this behavior is occasional and not consistent.

I've included a video for you see it in action.

I have tried Monika Gause's advice and converted my paths into compound paths

but even this doesn't resolve it.

Any input would be appreciated.

[Doug A Roberts]

If you are using it on discrete shapes, Unite will create groups.

[brechts11143680]

I'm sorry, what do you mean by "discrete shapes" ?

I've used Illustrator for over 4 years now ?

In that time Pathfinder has never before created groups.

[Doug A Roberts]

Shapes that are not overlapping one another.

This has been the case at least as far back as CS5.

[brechts11143680]

They are overlapping.

Look carefully at the first video.

[Doug A Roberts]

Please share the file or an example file containing an equivalent situation.

[brechts11143680]

That's the trouble.

This behavior (like I outlined in my original post) I cannot recreate, I don't know what's causing it.

If I try connecting two (overlapping) paths or compound paths even within the same file on the same layer I succeed most of the time.

[Doug A Roberts]

I can't tell what's going on with your shapes from that video. Can you share the file?

If you copy those objects into a new file, do they behave the same?

[scott30625536y2pa]

OK, so it's two years later, and I was having this same problem. When I made my shapes, I dragged them around until Illustrator showed me that they were "aligned" with the pink locator lines, and my shapes were snapping into place. And then when I'd try to use the "pathfinder" tool to "unite", I'd end up with a group.

After reading the comments below, I decided to double-check a few things. I took a look at all of my "seams", and they all looked aligned. However, once I zoomed AAAAAAAAAAALL the way in, there was a tiny tiny little gap. And once I joined that gap, my shapes united without issue.

But how annoying is that? When you use the very tools that are supposed to ensure alignment, and it actually doesn't.

[Monika Gause]

Can you please show that?