Shape builder tool is constantly disabled

[Alex22792018guxa]

Hello,
I have an issue with the shape builder tool, it does not work at all. I've seen other posts related to this problem as well, but none helped me. I've tried several things but despite whatever I do the tool is disabled and I can't select it. Could someone help me?

Thank you in advance

[Monika Gause]

You have the objects selected, right?

Please show a screenshot of your artwork.

[Alex22792018guxa]

I made two random examples to show you and I have included in the screenshot the tool as well so you can see that it is not clickable - it is disabled.

Thank you

[Doug A Roberts · Accepted solution]

That window is not the toolbar -- it is a menu for customising the toolbar.

In your screenshot you can see a blue highlight in your toolbar when you hover over shape builder in the customisation window. Thar means it is already in the toolbar and cannot be added. Click where the highlight indicates, or press Shift+M.

[Alex22792018guxa]

Omg thank you! It was so simple and yet I didn't notice it 

[Alex22792018guxa]

I just now was able to enable it by pressing Shift+M which is the shortcut for this tool. So ok problem solved, but I am still unable to select it without the shortcut and that applies to other tools as well. I would still like to know why this is happening.

Thank you

[Jeff Witchel, ACI]

Do you know how to use the Shape Builder tool?  Here's a old tutorial I produced: http://www.jeffwitchel.net/2011/12/geared-up-for-shape-builder/

[Alex22792018guxa]

Thank you for the link you provided. I am familiar with Illustrator and I have used this tool in the past. I recently purchased this plan and version of AI, so I don't know what the problem could be.