So in this tutorial I will show you how to use the shape builder tool which is here and the tools panel, and it’s quite similar to the Pathfinder as in the last tutorial.
Step 1:
Make the shapes you wish to use the Shape Builder tool on.
Step 2:
Select the paths that need to be merged to form the shape using the Selection tool.
Step 3:
Make sure you just pick the routes on which you want to use the tool. There will be a speed overhead if you pick all of the routes before merging.
Step 4:
In the Tools panel, choose the Shape Builder tool or press Shift+M. By default, the tool is in merge mode, allowing you to combine several routes. In this mode, the pointer looks as.
Step 5:
Determine the region you wish to remove or combine.
Step 6:
Move the cursor and click the chosen area to separate it from the remainder of the form.
Step 7:
Using the Shape Builder tool to merge closed areas. When you move the cursor over a closed area, the marquee region appears.
Step 8:
To combine pathways, drag along the area and release the mouse to join the two sections into a new shape.
I hope that was easy for you to understand, make sure to check out the video for an easier understanding.