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How to combine two shapes in Adobe Illustrator

Tim Youngs
Last updated November 21, 2020

Combining multiple shapes in Illustrator is super easy!

Using the Pathfinder Panel you can combine multiple shapes together with a single click. In the tutorial, I will show you how to combine just two shapes; however, if you want to combine more, simply repeat the process or select more shapes to begin with.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Select both of the shapes that you want to combine in the Layers panel or directly in the canvas area using the Move Tool (M)
  2. Open the Pathfinder Panel (Window > Pathfinder), and click the "Unite" icon under Shape Modes

Note: For two shapes to be combined, they must be overlapping in the canvas area. If the shapes do not overlap, the Unite option will simply create a new group in the Layers Panel.