Using the Pathfinder in Adobe Illustrator

To make new shapes from overlapping objects.

1. Select the objects you want to affect with the Select Tool, black arrow (v)

Original shapes

2. In the Pathfinder palette click on each button to either: Unite, Minus Front, Intersect or Exclude.

The top row of buttons effect the whole shape and the bottom row of buttons effect the paths that make up the shape.

Unite

Minus Front

Intersect

Exclude

3. Some actions will be different depending on which shape is above the other.

4. Summary of the Pathfinder types 
http://bit.ly/giGTpg

5. Explanation and examples of each 
http://bit.ly/9BmrIO