How do I continue a path with the Pen Tool?

[Grace5E91]

How do I continue a path with the Pen Tool?

I made  a shape with the pen tool but did not close it. I made some other shapes afterwards and then went back to the shape. When I try to continue adding anchor points, to the shape that is not closed, it adds as a new layer , meaning it does not continue and close the shape that I made before.

[Bobby Henderson · Accepted solution]

There are multiple ways how to solve the problem. The fastest approach is using the Direct Selection Tool to select the two anchor points of the open path and join them using the Ctrl+J(PC)/Cmd+J(Mac) keyboard shortcut, or going to Object Menu>Path>Join.

You can add to an existing open path using the Pen Tool using a couple methods. If the open path is selected you should be able to switch to the Pen Tool and click on an end point of the open path. Or you can have the Pen Tool in use, hover over an unselected path and toggle Ctrl/Cmd to select the path and then append new points to the path. If Smart Guides are turned on an unselected path and its points will light up and allow the Pen Tool to add more points to it automatically.

[Grace5E91]

I tried what you said but could not get it to work. I don't remember which points are my endpoints, so when I click to join two anchor points that are not endpoints, it says I am not allowed to do that. 

I tried the other two ways and could not get it done either. I might, hide my shape, and try to make it over and try the 1st method you said. 

[Grace5E91]

I was able to make the shape over without needing to join it, as if I worked on it then came back to it later. 

[Grace5E91]

I've been working on a new Pen Tool trace today and everything seems to be working fine so far. If I run into problems I'll try your methods.