How to join paths in Adobe Illustrator?

To join paths in Adobe Illustrator, the quickest and most common method is to select the open paths and use the keyboard shortcut Command + J (Mac) or Control + J (Windows). This command intelligently connects the closest open endpoints of the selected paths.

Joining Paths in Adobe Illustrator: A Comprehensive Guide

Joining paths in Adobe Illustrator is a fundamental skill for creating seamless vector artwork. Whether you're connecting two separate open paths or closing an open shape, Illustrator offers several intuitive methods to achieve this.

Method 1: Using the Join Command (Keyboard Shortcut)

This is the most common and efficient way to connect selected open paths, as highlighted by the reference. Illustrator intelligently connects the closest open endpoints of the selected paths.

Steps to Join Open Paths:

1. Select Open Paths: Use the Selection Tool (V) or Direct Selection Tool (A) to select two or more open paths that you wish to join. For the Join command to work effectively, ensure the paths have open endpoints that are relatively close to each other.
   • Tip: If you want to join specific anchor points rather than letting Illustrator decide, use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to select only those two desired endpoints.
2. Apply the Join Shortcut: Press Command + J (on a Mac) or Control + J (on a Windows PC).
   • Illustrator will automatically draw a straight line segment between the closest open anchor points of the selected paths, effectively joining them into a single path. If multiple paths are selected, it attempts to join them sequentially or by proximity.

Keyboard Shortcut Summary

Method 2: Using the Menu Command

The Join command is also accessible via Illustrator's menu bar, performing the exact same function as the keyboard shortcut.

Steps:

1. Select Paths: Select the open paths you want to join using the Selection Tool (V) or Direct Selection Tool (A).
2. Navigate to Join: Go to Object > Path > Join.

Method 3: Averaging and Then Joining Paths

Sometimes, the endpoints you want to join might not be perfectly aligned, leading to unwanted angles or gaps. The "Average" command can help align these points before joining them.

Steps:

1. Select Endpoints: Use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to select the two specific anchor points you want to join.
2. Average the Points: Go to Object > Path > Average... (or use the shortcut Command + Option + J on Mac, Control + Alt + J on Windows).
3. Choose Average Axis: In the Average dialog box, select:
   • Both: To align the points on both the horizontal and vertical axes (placing them exactly on top of each other). This is usually the best option before joining.
   • Horizontal: To align points horizontally.
   • Vertical: To align points vertically.
   • Click OK.
4. Join the Averaged Points: With the points still selected (or re-select them if necessary), apply the Join command:
   • Press Command + J (Mac) or Control + J (Windows), OR
   • Go to Object > Path > Join.

This method ensures a clean, precise join, especially when dealing with misaligned anchor points.

Additional Tips for Joining Paths

• Closed Paths: The Join command (Cmd/Ctrl + J) is primarily for open paths. If you select a single open path and apply Cmd/Ctrl + J, Illustrator will attempt to close the path by connecting its two open endpoints directly.
• Direct Selection for Precision: For precise control over which points are joined, use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to select only the two specific anchor points you intend to connect. If you select entire paths with the Selection Tool (V), Illustrator will join the closest open endpoints.
• Overlapping Paths: If paths overlap significantly, you might need to use the Pathfinder panel (Window > Pathfinder) to combine or unite them, or the Shape Builder Tool, rather than the simple Join command. The Join command is for connecting open endpoints.
• Visual Confirmation: After joining paths, always inspect your artwork using Outline mode (Command + Y or Control + Y) to ensure the paths have been connected as intended and there are no stray points or unwanted segments.

By mastering these methods, you can efficiently create clean, continuous vector shapes in Adobe Illustrator, essential for professional design workflows.