What Does The Join Tool Do In Illustrator?

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about what the Join Tool does in Adobe Illustrator.

What Does The Join Tool Do In Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a powerhouse in the design world, and among its extensive toolkit is the Join Tool. This feature is perfect for connecting two open paths, transforming them into one continuous path.

Whether you’re using Adobe Illustrator CC or any other version, this tool is indispensable for achieving smooth, seamless lines.

When to Use the Join Tool in Illustrator CC

In Illustrator CC, using the Join Tool is incredibly beneficial when you’re aiming for precision and alignment in your designs. Ideal use-case scenarios include:

• Logo design
• Vector illustrations
• Crafting basic and complex shapes
• Creating overlapping paths in maps or floor plans

Adobe Illustrator CC offers a wide range of tools for various purposes, from the Pen Tool for creating anchor points to the Shaper Tool for quick shape mode alterations.

You’ll find that each tool, whether it’s the Direct Selection Tool or the Selection Tool, serves a unique function in creating shapes and paths.

The Join Tool is exceptional for connecting endpoints or anchor points, making it an integral part of your Illustrator toolkit.

How To Use The Join Tool

Illustrator is all about paths and points, so let’s delve into how you can use the Join Tool to connect multiple paths, be it a straight line or a curved path.

Step 1: Select Your Path

After launching Adobe Illustrator CC, click on the Selection Tool, pick the open path, or multiple paths, you intend to join.

Step 2: Choose the Join Tool

In the toolbar, typically beside the Pencil Tool and Smooth Tool, you’ll find the Join Tool. Click to select it.

Step 3: Unite the End Points

Just click and drag the Join Tool to combine the open path or paths, making sure to cover any endpoint. Yes — you’ve just turned an open path into a closed path or merged multiple paths into one!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Here’s where many go wrong:

• Not Properly Selecting Paths: Always double-check your selected path before joining.
• Confusing with Compound Path: Don’t mix up joining paths with creating a compound path or compound shape.

Advanced Tips and Adobe Illustrator CC Features

Ready to move beyond basic shapes and simple lines? Adobe Illustrator CC offers advanced features to enhance your design:

• Hold down the Alt (Option on Mac) key for creating intersecting paths.
• Use the Pathfinder Panel for more complex shape modes and merge modes.
• Try the Curvature Tool for curved paths and the Smooth Tool for smooth points.

Illustrator And Adobe Creative Cloud Software

Adobe Illustrator CC is part of the larger Adobe Creative Cloud suite, which also includes Adobe Photoshop.

While Illustrator excels in vector-based work, Photoshop is ideal for image editing. You can integrate these two by exporting joined paths or overlapping shapes from Illustrator to Photoshop.

Addressing Issues with Joining Paths

Encountering hitches? Make sure your Creative Cloud is updated and check if any plug-ins interfere with the object you’re trying to join.

How to Create More Complex Objects and Shapes

Looking to create complex shapes and objects? Utilize the Shape Builder Tool and Eraser Tool alongside the Join Tool for intricate designs that involve overlapping shapes and intersecting paths.

Final Thoughts: the Join Tool in Adobe Illustrator

In Adobe Illustrator, and specifically in Illustrator CC, the Join Tool is your go-to for joining any type of path, from a straight segment to a curved path, effectively merging them into a single object.

Whether you’re working on simple basic shapes or complex objects, understanding the Join Tool, along with related tools like the Corner Point and Smooth Point features, can elevate your design game to a whole new level.

There you go, a full-circle guide on what the Join Tool does in Adobe Illustrator.

What Does The Join Tool Do In Illustrator: FAQs

Click on the Pencil Tool icon, and you’ll see a small arrow indicating a drop-down menu. The Join Tool is available there. If you’re using Illustrator CC, you can also customize your toolbar to make the Join Tool more accessible.

1. Select the Objects: Use the Selection Tool to select the two objects you want to join.
2. Convert to Paths: Ensure that your objects are converted to paths. If they are text or basic shapes, go to Object > Expand to turn them into paths.
3. Open Pathfinder Panel: Navigate to Window > Pathfinder to open the Pathfinder Panel.
4. Choose the Appropriate Action: In the Pathfinder Panel, you have multiple options like “Unite,” “Intersect,” and “Exclude.” Clicking “Unite” will join the two selected objects into one.

Alternative Method using Join Tool: If the objects are open paths, you can simply select the endpoints you want to join, then use the Join Tool to click and drag over the endpoints, merging them into a single path.

1. Select the Lines: First, use the Selection Tool to highlight the lines you wish to join.
2. Go to Control Panel: Look at the Control Panel at the top of the interface. You will see the word “Join.” Click on it.
3. Or Use the Join Tool: Alternatively, you can select the Join Tool from the toolbar, usually grouped with the Pencil Tool and the Smooth Tool.
4. Execute the Join: With the Join Tool, click and drag over the endpoints of the lines you wish to connect. Illustrator will join these into a single path.

1. Select the Lines: Use the Selection Tool to select the lines you wish to join.
2. Activate the Direct Selection Tool: Press the “A” key or select the Direct Selection Tool from the toolbar.
3. Adjust Anchor Points: Click on the anchor points at the end of each line and adjust them to ensure a smooth transition.
4. Use the Join Tool: Select the Join Tool and click and drag over the adjusted endpoints. Illustrator will join the lines smoothly.

1. Select the Path: Use the Selection Tool to pick the path you want to cut.
2. Use the Scissors Tool: Locate the Scissors Tool in the toolbar or press the “C” key. Click on the points where you want to cut the path.
3. Delete or Move Segments: After cutting, use the Direct Selection Tool to select and delete or move the path segments as needed.
4. Select New Endpoints: Use the Direct Selection Tool to select the new endpoints of the cut paths.
5. Join Paths: Finally, use the Join Tool to click and drag over the endpoints you wish to join.

1. Select the Line and Rectangle: Use the Selection Tool to select both the line and the rectangle you want to join.
2. Convert to Paths: If they are not already paths, go to Object > Expand to convert them.
3. Switch to Direct Selection Tool: Hit the “A” key or choose the Direct Selection Tool from the toolbar.
4. Select Endpoints: Click and drag to select the endpoints of the line and the corner point of the rectangle that you want to join.
5. Use the Join Tool or Command: With the endpoints selected, you can either use the Join Tool to manually join them or go to Object > Path > Join (or hit Ctrl+J / Cmd+J).
6. Review: The line should now be connected to the rectangle, forming a single, unified path.

1. Open Paths: Make sure the lines you’re trying to join are actually open paths. If they’re already closed or are part of a compound path, the Join Tool won’t work.
2. Multiple Layers: Ensure both lines are on the same layer. You can’t join lines that are on separate layers.
3. Anchor Point Overlaps: Illustrator won’t join them if anchor points from different lines overlap but don’t precisely match. Use the Direct Selection Tool to align them perfectly.
4. Selection Issues: It’s possible you haven’t correctly selected the lines or their endpoints. Double-check your selection before attempting to join.
5. Non-Path Elements: Make sure you’re not trying to join a path with a non-path element, like text or a bitmap image. Both must be paths to join.
6. Version Compatibility: Ensure you are using a compatible version of Illustrator. If you’re using older versions, some features might not work as expected.