How Do I Link Two Nodes in Illustrator?

You can easily link two nodes (anchor points) in Adobe Illustrator using the Join command, which connects selected open anchor points to form a continuous path. This is an essential technique for refining shapes, closing open paths, or merging separate line segments into a single, cohesive object.

Understanding the Join Command in Illustrator

The Join command in Illustrator is specifically designed to bridge gaps between open anchor points. When you use this command, Illustrator connects the selected points with a new path segment, effectively closing an open path or merging two previously distinct paths into one.

What Does the Join Command Do?

• Connects Open Anchor Points: It creates a direct line segment between two selected open anchor points.
• Closes a Path: If you select the two endpoints of a single open path, the Join command will close the shape, turning it into a closed path (e.g., turning an arc into a circle segment, or an open line into a closed polygon).
• Merges Two Paths: If you select an open anchor point from one path and an open anchor point from another path, the Join command will merge them, creating a single, continuous path from the two original ones.

Step-by-Step Guide to Joining Anchor Points

Linking nodes in Illustrator is a straightforward process involving the Direct Selection tool and the Join command.

1. Select the Direct Selection Tool (A): Activate the Direct Selection tool from your toolbar. This tool allows you to select individual anchor points and path segments.
2. Select the Open Anchor Points: With the Direct Selection tool, click and drag a marquee around the two open anchor points you wish to connect, or hold down Shift and click on each point individually. It's crucial that these are open (endpoints of a path) anchor points, not points in the middle of a segment.
3. Execute the Join Command:
   • Navigate to the menu bar and choose Object > Path > Join.
   • Alternatively, use the convenient keyboard shortcut:
     • Ctrl+J (for Windows users)
     • Command+J (for Mac users)

Once the command is executed, Illustrator will automatically draw a straight line segment between the two selected anchor points, effectively linking them and forming a single, continuous path.

Practical Applications and Tips

The Join command is incredibly versatile for various design tasks:

• Closing Open Shapes: If you've drawn a shape (like a line segment or an open curve) and want to make it a closed object, selecting its two endpoints and applying Join will connect them.
• Combining Separate Lines: You can draw multiple independent line segments and then use the Join command to connect their endpoints, merging them into one unified path. This is useful for creating complex custom shapes from simpler components.
• Fixing Gaps: Sometimes, when tracing or creating intricate designs, small gaps might appear between path segments. The Join command provides a quick way to bridge these gaps and ensure your paths are continuous.
• Joining Multiple Pairs: If you have multiple pairs of open endpoints that you want to join simultaneously, select all desired anchor points, and then apply the Join command. Illustrator will attempt to join the closest pairs of selected open endpoints.

Quick Reference Table: Joining Nodes

For a quick overview, here's a summary of the Join command: