Combining Objects and Paths Flashcards

The Join command (Ctrl/Cmd+J) on two selected open endpoints will:

Answer: Connect the endpoints with a straight segment, or close a path if both ends are selected

Join links two endpoints, closing a path or bridging separate open paths.

To make two anchor points occupy the exact same location before joining, you use:

Answer: Object > Path > Average

Average moves selected points to a common position horizontally, vertically, or both.

The Knife tool cuts objects by:

Answer: Drawing a freehand path that splits filled objects into separate closed paths

The Knife slices through objects along your drawn line, producing separate closed shapes.

Holding Alt/Option with the Knife tool lets you:

Answer: Cut in a straight line instead of freehand

Alt/Option constrains the Knife to a straight cutting line.

The Scissors tool (C) differs from the Knife in that it:

Answer: Splits a path at a single anchor point or segment, creating open paths

Scissors cuts a path at one point, leaving open endpoints rather than closed faces.

Object > Path > Outline Stroke is used to:

Answer: Convert a stroked line into a filled, editable closed shape

Outline Stroke turns a stroke into a vector shape you can edit and combine with Pathfinder.

Why might you Outline Stroke before applying a Pathfinder Unite?

Answer: So the stroke geometry is included in the combined shape rather than ignored

Pathfinder operates on fills, so outlining the stroke ensures the line contributes to the union.