How to Use Shape Builder Tool in Illustrator?

The Shape Builder tool in Adobe Illustrator allows you to combine, subtract, and modify shapes in an intuitive way. This makes it a powerful tool for creating complex designs quickly.

Step-by-step Guide to Using the Shape Builder Tool

Here's how to use the Shape Builder tool, referencing the information from the YouTube video snippet:

1. Select Multiple Shapes: Start by selecting the shapes you want to work with. According to the video, the example involves "four circles all lining up to one another", and "with all of these selected", the tool is ready to be used.
2. Activate the Shape Builder Tool: In the toolbar on the left, select the Shape Builder tool (it looks like two overlapping circles with an arrow). You can also activate it by pressing Shift + M.
3. Combining Shapes: Click and drag across the shapes you want to merge. The areas will become a single combined shape.
   • Example: If you drag across two overlapping circles, they will become one combined shape.
4. Subtracting Shapes: To subtract a shape from another, hold Alt (or Option on a Mac) while clicking and dragging across the shape you want to remove. A minus sign will appear next to your cursor, showing that you’re about to subtract a shape.
   • Example: If you Alt + drag across a small circle that overlaps a bigger one, it will subtract and leave a gap in the bigger shape.
5. Modifying Shapes: The Shape Builder tool also allows you to modify complex, overlapping areas by clicking and dragging. It intuitively breaks up the shapes at intersecting points.

Practical Tips

• Overlapping Shapes: The Shape Builder tool works primarily with overlapping shapes.
• Complex Shapes: Use this tool to create and modify more complex shapes from basic ones.
• Experiment: Don't hesitate to experiment with different combinations to achieve your desired design.

Example Scenarios

• Combining multiple circle segments to make a shape like a half-moon.
• Removing intersecting parts of a star from a rectangle.

Using the Shape Builder Tool will help you speed up your workflow in Illustrator, allowing for quick modifications of shapes.