Path Zipper Tool Operation

As the Path Zipper tool has several keypresses which can add or change its functionality, we suggest installing the free Astute Graphics plugin Astute Buddy, which creates a panel that dynamically updates to inform you of the various keys which can be pressed in the tool’s current context.

When a path contains two anchor points that are each coincident (at the same coordinates) with two points on a second path, then the section between those points may be zipped with the Path Zipper tool by placing the tool over both edges of the potential zipper and clicking. The paths do not need to be selected, but must be unlocked.

The tool previews a potential zipper using blue and red lines. The blue lines (which are dashed) indicate the original edges of the zipper, and the solid red line shows the position that the zipped paths will assume after clicking. A section of path that is already zipped will be indicated with a green line. 

Path Zipper Tool Basic Operation

By default, the new zipper is created by averaging the positions of the original edges along the length of the zipper. To make the zipper lie along one or the other of the paths’ original edges, hold down Shift or Option/Alt:

Path Zipper Tool Modifier Keys

Shift causes the zipper to run along the path which is on top in the stacking order, and vice versa.