Combining paths nondestructively using Pathfinder effects


    Use Pathfinder effects on groups, layers, or sublayers that you want to combine into one editable object. When you combine paths using effects, each path uses the same intersection method, such as Add, Subtract, or Divide.

    After you combine paths using the Pathfinder effects, you can select individual paths and move them, and use the Appearance palette to modify or remove the effect. (See Modifying and removing appearance attributes.) You can also change the stacking order of the paths in the Layers palette to alter the shape and color of the resulting art. Once applied, Pathfinder effects can be included as part of a style.

    The Layers palette displays pathfinder paths as <Group> items that contain individual paths or as <Path> items.

To combine paths with a Pathfinder effect:

  1. Select a group, or target a layer in the Layers palette.
  2. Choose Effect > Pathfinder and choose a Pathfinder effect.

To quickly apply the same Pathfinder effect again:

    Choose Effect > Apply [effect].

    The command is applied with the most recently used settings.