HOW TO USE THE SHAPE BUILDER TOOL IN ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
3 ways to use the Shape Builder Tool in Adobe Illustrator
The Shape Builder Tool in Adobe Illustrator could be one of the most underrated tools. We’ll run through three ways to use the tool - merge, extract and erase shapes. Then, I encourage you to spend some time playing around with the Shape Builder Tool on your own, it’ll really speed up your workflow once you get the hang of it!
Read on to discover…
What is the Shape Builder Tool in Adobe Illustrator?
Where is the Shape Builder Tool in Adobe Illustrator?
How do I use Shape Builder Tool in Adobe Illustrator?
WHAT IS THE SHAPE BUILDER TOOL IN ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR?
The Shape Builder Tool allows us to merge, erase and extract shapes from one another quickly and easily to create new shapes. I find it useful when creating brand marks for my clients, where crafting a unique and memorable icon is the goal.
WHERE IS THE SHAPE BUILDER TOOL IN ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR?
The easiest way to locate the Shape Builder Tool in Adobe Illustrator is by using the shortcut SHIFT + M. You can also find the Tool along the left hand side of your toolbar.
BEFORE USING THE SHAPE BUILDER TOOL
Before using the shape builder tool, you’ll want to create the shapes you want to transform.
Using the Selection Tool, select all shapes.
Pick the Shape Builder Tool from your toolbar, or use the shortcut SHIFT+M.
Scroll down for the next steps to Merge, Extract and Erase your shapes.
MERGE SHAPES
The merge option allows you to combine separate shapes and form one whole shape. For this example, I’ll be creating a cloud shape using circles of different sizes and a line to create the final shape.
The tool will automatically be set to merge mode.
Click and drag your mouse around the smaller shapes you want to merge into one larger shape.
When you lift your mouse, the new paths will be created and you’ll have your new shape!
Style your new shape as usual.
EXTRACT SHAPES
The extract option allows you to break off overlapping shapes and free them from the larger shape.
With all smaller shapes and the Shape Builder Tool selected, simply click once on the shape you want to extract.
The extracted shape is then free from the larger shape!
ERASE SHAPES
The erase option allows you to remove shapes to create a new shape.
Just hold down ALT while dragging your mouse the shapes you want to erase.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!
Now you’ve had a run down off the possibilities of the Shape Builder Tool, go off and try it for yourself! My number one tip for perfecting your Adobe Illustrator skills is always to practice! Watch and try out as many tutorials as you possibly can, the more you use it the quicker you’ll progress!
If you share to your social media, please tag me in your creations @lugidesign - I’d absolutely LOVE to see what you come up with!
Happy creating!
I’M LUCY, LOVELY TO MEET YOU!
I get a buzz out of helping you to craft your brand and live the life you’ve always dreamed of. If you’re ambitious, determined and love to break the rules then I’m here to help you craft magical design solutions to build and launch your business empire and find a life of freedom. Let’s go.
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