Video:How to Use Shapebuilder Tools in Illustrator
with Frank BaylessThe shape builder tool in Illustrator allows you to easily combine any type of shape together to create something entirely different. In this About.com tutorial video you'll learn easy ways to use the shape builder tool.See Transcript
Transcript:How to Use Shapebuilder Tools in Illustrator
Hi this is Frank Bayless for About.com and in this screencast I am going to show you how to use the shape builder tool in Illustrator.
Combine Shapes in Illustrator
The shape builder tool allows you to combine together different shapes that you create. It makes it a lot easier then using the pen tool to create these shapes on your own. In order to start using the shape builder tool we need to create some shapes. We will do this by selecting the ellipse tool or L on your keyboard to create a circle. Next I select the rectangle tool or press M on your keyboard and create a rectangle on the screen. In order to combine together the two shapes we need to drag the rectangle on top of the circle.
Shape Builder Tool Options
Then we want to select the shape building tool from the menu on the left or press SHIFT+M on your keyboard. You must make sure that you have selected all of the shapes you would like to combine together before selecting the shape builder tool. Once you choose the shape builder tool from the side you will see it automatically highlight the shapes when you roll over it. in order to combine shapes together all you need to do is click and drag from one shape to another and they will be automatically combined. When holding down the option key using the shape builder tool you can punch out shapes instead of combing them together.
That is how you use the shape builder tool in Illustrator. Thanks for watching for more find us on the web at About.com