How can I merge more than one simple vector in AI

[kfintoni 0]

Hello,

I have been fighting with this al weekend. Is there a way to merge and edit more than one vector image in AI. I bought a set of graphics that have already been vectorized. I want to merge more than one design at a time. I tried in inkscape, and signcut and signblazer elements. I cannot get it to work at all. I have downloaded the trial version of AI to try it there. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. I know there has to be an easier way to do this. If I could just open it in inkscape it would be great.

Thanks Karen

[midwaste 4]

From what you are saying, I am assuming you want to take 2 1-color vector graphics and merge them into a single-cuttable graphic with no overlap, correct?

If so, you need to make them overlap as you want, then select both of them and click Pathfinder>Add to shape area>Expand.  This will overlap them.  However, if the vectors you have are more than one color or they are .eps' with a bunch of layers, it may be more complicated.

If you get them overlapped like you want in Illy, post the .ai and we can take a look at it.

[kfintoni 0]

Yes that is exactly right. I want to take two or three one color vectors and merge them into one, head, body and something else. When I try in Ai I can open the first EPS the second opens in a new window. Is there a way to get them to open in the same window so I can line them up and then save them as one.

Karen

[James605 7]

open the first image....Then instead of going to open..go file to PLACE...it will open it in the same workspace window

[midwaste 4]

Ah, yes, what James said.  You can also copy/paste it into the first window.  I always forget about the place function..

[kfintoni 0]

Thank you everyone I cannot wait to go home from work and try it.

Karen

[DanMega 0]

And make damn sure they are all the same color before you attempt to merge them. It will save you hours of headaches. Don't ask me how I know.