HELP !! How to create an outline path from a bunch of paths

[yoshi]

I have this project to build an air plane for my son. I have something call a robo cutter that can cut out the project for me but I would need to create an path outline of where to cut. My problem is that this project is build with paths already. Is there an easy way to create an outline path ?

Here is a picture of one of the parts .

[jkrayer]

What I would do is use the Direct Selection Tool to grab the end points of each individual path (paith of paths actually) and then press crtl/cmd j to join them.

[Dusty Pony Design]

Hey there - so, it sounds like you have a bunch of different shapes overlapping each other, and you need to just make an outline, right?

Try using the Pathfinder palatte. Select all the shapes, then click "merge" (third one from left on the bottom row) Sometimes it doesn't completely work depending on the complexity and how the shapes overlap, but keep trying. The other functiona on that palatte will crop trim and divide, etc.. diferent ojbects depending which one is on top, so you can play with those too.

Try doing this with a copy of the artwork. If you need to keep the detail on the top of the plane, make that on a seperate layer. If you group each peice, then use the align palatte to align it with it's outline, it should match up perfectly.

I hope that helps!

[Celina]

Please help me with instructions on how to create a heart just in time for Valentines day.