Illustrator Can't add anchor points

[merry_fay]

I've done a lovely drawing with lots of overlapping ellipses & I now want to join them up properly & delete the overlapping bits.

To do this, I'm trying to add anchor points where they overlap but I keep getting told to use the anchor point tool on a segment of path. Errr, I am aren't I? What am I doing wrong?

Thanks
The blonde one :redface:

 

[dv8_fx]

Dunno if you tried this or if it suits the workflow of what you're doing with the image... but if its just to delete overlaps ----- CTRL+click layer icon of shape which has an overlap of an object from another layer. Select the layer of shape with overlap to make it active - and hit delete.

 

[ibclare]

I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but if you select the work path, then go up to the toolbar, you'll see two overlapping squares. If you right click, you'll see some options, one of which is "combine shapes." There are other options to try but I think tis might be what you're looking for.

You can also make each shape as a separate layer, then play with the cmd/ctl click to make a selection and use that to delete outside of that on the layer you wanted to appear joined, or you can just move the layers around on top and below each other -- if they are different colors for example.

 

[ibclare]

Save your work paths so you don't overwrite them. Do this by double-clicking the path and giving it a name.

Here's an example of
1) overlapping shapes and allowing the default to fill them in which is to exclude overlapping sections of the selection.
2) overlapping shapes and selecting the "operation" merge shapes.
3) making one shape per layer and overlapping them this way, which gives you the ability to reposition them.



Take a look at this from IamSam.

Just playing

 

[merry_fay]

Thanks for the help -I've worked out the basic way: Fill my shapes, merge, then unfill them but I am curious as to some of the bits you're mentioning Clare as it might make my life easier in the future!!!

First, what do you mean by workpath?
Second, working with layers. I'm aware of them & can create different layers but at the moment don't understand how they work. For me, I'm trying to create the outline of a shape to be cut out by a laser.
Making assumptions, I choose which layer in a file is used for cutting right?
If I have, eg the outline of a person, so lots of sausage shapes & ovals, am I better off drawing each individual shape on a different layer then having a final one combining them all?
If I want to change eg the direction of an arm & have it out at shoulder height instead of by the side would individual layers enable me to do that easily & still merge the shapes afterwards?

Sorry, so many questions!!!! I'm having to fit in learning in spurts when I get the chance & am struggling with examples as none of them seem to work with only outlines!

Thankyou

 

[ibclare]

Absolutely. Different layers will be able to be rotated, warped, and otherwise reshaped independent of any other body part, etc. Then of course, as you said, they can be merged, or copy-merged. Copy-merge means to merge selected layers and create a new layer, leaving the original layers intact. Keyboard shortcut is: select layers to copy-merge, hold down ctl/cmd + shift then "e." When I do this, I usually group the original layers and turn off the eye for invisibility. Or you can convert those layers into an editable smart object and turn off its visibility till or if you need to get back to those original images.

If you have CS5 or 6 (maybe 4 but I don't think so) you can use puppet warp which allows you to manipulate even merged portions. It's a feature under edit, but if you want to use it, I would suggest looking up a tutorial first. In order to use puppet warp, a shape path must be rasterized. Right click on the layer and choose rasterize layer.

As for work paths, if you don't have it open, go to view and select paths. It will open as a new palette in your workspace. I have mine attached to my regular work panels so I can access it easily since I use paths often. Each of your shapes will have a designated work path. For simplicity, double click the specific path and give it a name. You can still access each path by clicking on the path layer. I just like to be able to see each path described. I also name each layer panel layer.

Here is an example of work paths and one of puppet warp to give you a very basic idea of what it can do.





Keep up the questions if you have more!

 

[merry_fay]

Ummm, I'm beginning to think CS1 doesn't have copy merge............. Would I be correct with that assumption or am I just being really dumb & missing it?

Thanks!

 

[hawkeye]

I don't know exactly what you want to do, but if you are trying to merge paths, in Illustrator you should use the pathfinder function.

 

[ibclare]

I don't think you should have a problem. Be sure to select all related, clipped, and/or adjustment layers when you copy/merge or you won't have the option.

 

[hawkeye]

I don't think you should have a problem. Be sure to select all related, clipped, and/or adjustment layers when you copy/merge or you won't have the option.

The OP's question is in the Illustrator forum, not Photoshop. Unless he posted in the wrong place.

 

[ibclare]

Thanks Hawkeye; just overlooked the forum, sheesh. :runaway: