How to join segments?

[mattheww53222436]

So I traced half of an image and reflected and averaged and joined the segments. However I cannot get the lines to become one so that I can create a cut file for this for a vinyl cutter. Does anyone know how to make this one object with a single stroke outline? Thanks!

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

If those anchor points are exactly in the same place, try Object > Path > Join.

If there are sall gaps, try the shapebuilder tool.

Read about how to use it in the documentation: How to create shapes using the Shape Builder tool in Illustrator

[Chad Chelius]

I agree with Monica but if you find that the paths get modified after using the Join command, try using the Join tool instead. You musically just scrub over where you want to join with the tool and it does a better job of creating a natural connection.

[jane-e]

mattheww53222436 ,

The Join tool the Chad mentioned can be hard to find, as it has no shortcut. It shares space with the Pencil tool (N).