Six tools for turning a messy, overlapping draft into a clean final shape
Grab your Guided Notes (FDD 4.4) and a pencil.
GET READY
Today's Word Bank
Every word below appears on your notes sheet. Watch closely, some get used more than once.
Join
Offset Path
Pathfinder Minus Front
Pathfinder Unite
Shape Builder
Simplify
How today works: we'll look at one blank at a time. Study the example, make your best guess, then we'll reveal the answer together. Fill in your notes as we go, don't skip ahead!
1GUIDED NOTES
What reduces anchor points on a messy path?
Object > Path > ______ reduces anchor points on a messy path while keeping its shape.
GUIDED NOTES #1
SIMPLIFY
Fewer points, same visible shape, cleans up a rough hand-traced or imported path.
2GUIDED NOTES
What connects two open endpoints?
Cmd/Ctrl+J connects two selected open endpoints into one point, or closes an open path. What's it called?
GUIDED NOTES #2
JOIN
Turns two loose ends into one connected point, or closes a shape outright.
3GUIDED NOTES
What merges shapes by dragging?
Shift+M, drag across overlapping shapes to merge them; Option/Alt-click a region to remove it. What's this tool called?
GUIDED NOTES #3
SHAPE BUILDER
Paint shapes together to merge, or click a region to subtract it.
4GUIDED NOTES
What combines all selected shapes into one?
This Pathfinder operation combines all selected shapes into one single shape.
GUIDED NOTES #4
PATHFINDER UNITE
Every selected shape becomes one unified shape.
5GUIDED NOTES
What subtracts the top shape?
This Pathfinder operation subtracts the top shape(s) from the shape behind them.
GUIDED NOTES #5
PATHFINDER MINUS FRONT
The top shape becomes a cutout, removed from whatever's behind it.
6GUIDED NOTES
What creates a new outline at a set distance?
Object > Path > ______ ______ creates a new outline a set distance inside or outside a shape.
GUIDED NOTES #6
OFFSET PATH
A precise, uniform outline, inside or outside the original shape's edge.
NOW DISCUSS
Turn & Talk
Two-Minute Drill: take the low-poly facet you're working on and use one of today's tools to clean it up. What changed?
Think → Pair → Share · 2 minutes · Write your answer on the Discuss line on your guided notes