How to Merge 2 Objects in Illustrator

The Adobe Illustrator CS5 Pathfinder menu contains options that will allow you to merge two objects together. Combining objects with a Pathfinder option is a useful alternative to grouping items. You can apply a single stroke or fill color to merged objects and reposition the combined object for use in a logo or illustration. Since merging causes the paths of both objects to unite, you will not be able to edit these objects as individual items after the merge occurs. Therefore, accurate positioning of the two objects is critical.

Instructions

1. Open the Adobe Illustrator CS5 file that contains two objects that you would like to merge by choosing "File" and "Open." The file you choose should contain vector art as you will not be able to merge two bitmap objects, for example.

2. Convert a text object into outlines before attempting to combine it with another object. A fast way to convert text objects into outlines is to select the text with the Type tool and then right-click to select "Create Outlines."

3. Move the objects into place with the Move tool. Zoom in with the Zoom tool to confirm that the objects are in position. Both objects should slightly overlap: this will prevent undesired gaps between them.

4. Select the two objects with the Selection tool. You may click and drag to select these objects or select one object and then press the "Shift" key to select the other object.

5. Choose "Window" and "Pathfinder" from the pulldown menu to reveal the Pathfinder tools if they are not already visible.

6. Select "Merge" from within the Pathfinder menu to join the overlapping objects. You may also click the "Unite" button to merge the two selected objects together.

References

• Adobe Illustrator CS5: Methods of Combining objects
• Adobe Illustrator CS5: Apply Pathfinder Effects
• Red Laser Studio: How to Combine Text With an Object Using Illustrator CS5