Combining Shapes and Objects

Pathfinder

• Select two or more shapes, go to Window > Pathfinder, and use the following options:
  • Unite: combines selected shapes into one shape;
  • Minus Front: subtracts the shape in the front from the shape behind it;
  • Intersect: keeps only the overlapping part of the selected shapes;
  • Exclude: removes the intersection of the selected shapes, leaving everything else;
• These are the most commonly used options, but there are other Pathfinder modes for more advanced combinations;

Shape Builder Tool

• Select the shapes that you want to combine first, then select the Shape Builder Tool from the toolbar;
• Click and drag across multiple shapes to merge them into one;
• Hold Alt or Option and drag across shapes to remove or subtract parts of them;
• The Shape Builder tool is highly versatile and allows for manual, creative combinations of shapes, commonly used for designing logos;

Task

Follow the provided guides in the "Practice Drawing File" file to create various shapes like squares, triangles, and custom shapes. You can use the Shape Builder Tool to combine shapes, too. Your main goal is to create the robot shape.

Practice is key! The more you practice, the more you'll improve your skills.