Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Compound shapes
A compound shape combines objects with, or subtracts objects from, each
other, while leaving the original objects intact. You can make compound
shapes from two or more paths or from other compound shapes, text,
envelopes, blends, groups, or artwork with vector effects applied. To create
compound shapes, hold the Option/Alt key as you click a Shape Mode icon in
the Pathfinder panel; if you click without the Option/Alt modifier, original
objects are permanently altered. You can also apply the Unite Shape mode by
choosing “Make Compound Shape” from the Pathfinder panel menu.
Compound shapes take on the attributes of the topmost object in the
selection.
As long as you keep compound shapes live, you can continue to apply (or
remove) Shape Modes and add a variety of effects to the compound shape as
a unit, such as envelopes, warps, and drop shadows. Compound shapes can
also be pasted into Photoshop as editable shape layers, although they won't
retain their Illustrator appearance.
To retain their appearance and keep them editable, paste them as vector
Smart Objects (to edit a Smart Object, double-click its thumbnail in
Photoshop and it will open in Illustrator; when you save, it updates in
Photoshop). Release the Shape Mode to restore the original objects, or click
Expand to permanently apply the effect to the objects, using Pathfinder
Options from the panel's menu.
Unite (so you can see the effects more clearly: the first column shows the original
shapes; the second column shows the results of the oper-
ation; and the third column shows the resulting objects
selected or moved)
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