How do you optimize your workflow and efficiency when using shape modes and pathfinders in AI?

3 Use pathfinders for simplicity

Pathfinders are useful when you want to create new shapes from existing ones and remove the excess parts. You can apply pathfinders by selecting two or more shapes and clicking on the desired button. This will create a new shape and delete the original ones. You can also use the expand button to convert a compound shape into a pathfinder shape. Pathfinders are ideal for creating clean and simple shapes that are easy to fill, stroke, and manipulate.

4 Use layers and groups for organization

One of the challenges of using shape modes and pathfinders is keeping track of your shapes and avoiding unwanted overlaps or gaps. To avoid this, you can use layers and groups to organize your shapes and control their visibility and order. Layers are like folders that contain your shapes and other objects. You can create, rename, lock, hide, and reorder layers using the layers panel. Groups are like subfolders that contain related shapes within a layer. You can create, ungroup, isolate, and edit groups using the object menu or the right-click menu.

5 Use shortcuts and presets for speed

Another way to optimize your workflow and efficiency when using shape modes and pathfinders is to use shortcuts and presets. Shortcuts are keyboard commands that let you access tools and functions quickly. For example, you can use Shift + M to activate the shape builder tool, or Ctrl/Cmd + F9 to open the pathfinder panel. You can also customize your own shortcuts using the edit menu. Presets are predefined settings that let you apply shape modes and pathfinders with one click. You can create, save, load, and delete presets using the pathfinder panel menu.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?