Pathfinder
Last updated: 8 September 2026 · 2 minute read
Combine shapes or paths, subtract one from another, or build a new shape from their overlapping areas.
Pathfinder applies shape operations to a selection of objects. It works with ready-made shapes as well as paths, so you do not need to draw with the Pen tool first.
Steps
- 1
Combine shapes with Pathfinder
EditorPathfinder
Select two or more paths or ready-made shapes. Pick the operation from the boolean button at the end of the align row in the right panel, or from the context menu: Unite, Minus front, Intersect, Exclude. The shortcuts are Control+Command+U, S, I and X (Windows: Control+Alt).
The result is a single pen path and takes its style from the topmost object. Curves are preserved rather than flattened.
Options
Four operations you can apply to selected objects.
| Option | Where | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Unite (Control+Command+U) | Editor | Merges the selected shapes into one outline. |
| Minus front (Control+Command+S) | Editor | Cuts the front objects out of the one at the back. |
| Intersect (Control+Command+I) | Editor | Keeps only the shared area. |
| Exclude (Control+Command+X) | Editor | Turns the shared area into a hole. |
Result
The result is a single path object. Undo restores the original objects.To place an image inside the resulting path, see the related masking lesson.