Simple pen tool question - Illustrator

[ø]

Hi there,

I am fairly new to using the pen tool and Illustrator and I need to know how to attach two shapes.

I've drawn two shapes, and now I need to link the paths together - how? :)

Here is a picture:
http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/7753/bilde2tb6.th.png (http://img235.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bilde2tb6.png)

I need those two shapes to be one!

Thanks:bucktooth:

[mlk]

first of all both shapes need to belong to the same compound path; if they're not use the pathfinder to merge the two into one compound shape (even if the elements of that compound shape are not physically together) select the two objects (ungroup them if necessary) Window>Pathfinder and alt-click the first button (or click and press expand)

delete the edges that will be merged (select with the white arrow) and the take ends to be merged and hit ctrl-j (this will create a straight line between the two points) else hit ctrl-alt-j which will place both points in the same location (don't forget to join them with ctrl-j)

alternatively you can use the pen tool to join points manually, your pen tooltip shows if you're about to complete a path, add to a path etc...

[ø]

Aye, thanks :)

[ø]

Ok, just another tiny question.

Is there a way to draw like mirrored.. ?
Or do I have to draw one half and copy/reflect?

[ronnie]

You have to draw one shape and copy/reflect.

[iLikePie]

first of all both shapes need to belong to the same compound path; if they're not use the pathfinder to merge the two into one compound shape

actually, they don't need to be (at least in CS2). The paths do need to be open (i.e with one edge deleted, or not closed to begin with) but that's a step you mentioned anyway.

[mlk]

actually, they don't need to be (at least in CS2). The paths do need to be open (i.e with one edge deleted, or not closed to begin with) but that's a step you mentioned anyway.

indeed

[Pasquale]

this is why I use flash...:(:)

[mlk]

ok...

[hybrid101]

^^:thumb: