How to Join Paths Together in Illustrator

Learn how to close and join Illustrator paths. Also learn how to remove excess anchor points. Details below...
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0:00 - Join Paths

Menu:
Object - Path - Join

Keyboard shortcut:
Mac: Command + J
Windows: Control + J

Running the Join command on a selected single open path will result in a new path segment connecting the two end points and closing the path.

Running the Join command on two selected open paths will result in a new path segment connecting the closest end points. Running the Join command a second time will close the path.

The Direct Selection Tool can be used to select individual anchor points. Two specific end points can be joined by selecting them and then running the Join command.


1:37 - Average Anchor Points

Menu:
Object - Path - Average

Keyboard shortcut:
Mac: Command + Option + J
Windows: Control + Alt + J

With multiple anchor points selected, running the Average command will average their positions depending on the option chosen...
- Horizontal
- Vertical
- Both

By averaging the end points on separate paths such that they sit on top of one another, the Join command will not create a new segment but will instead create a new corner.


3:32 - Delete Excess Anchor Points

When joining paths, excess anchor points may remain on the path. To remove these...
- Select them with the Direct Selection Tool and from the Properties panel click on the "Remove selected anchor points" button.
- Select the path and with the Pen Tool click on the anchor points to be removed.