How to close small gaps in Illustrator with Path Zipper
6 minute readCleaning up vector artwork can be one of the most time-consuming parts of the design process. Whether you are working with image tracing results, stock vectors, or refining AI generated artwork, small gaps between paths can create unwanted holes and prevent artwork from behaving as expected. These issues often require zooming in, manually adjusting anchor points, and carefully joining paths one section at a time.
The Path Zipper tool (included with the VectorScribe plugin for Adobe Illustrator) provides a faster way to close small gaps and create clean, connected vector artwork. Instead of manually moving anchor points and joining paths, the tool identifies nearby path edges and allows you to zip them together in just a few clicks.
This makes it particularly useful for fixing holes created in image tracing, repairing stock art, and refining AI generated artwork that contains disconnected vector paths.
Accessing the Path Zipper tool
The Path Zipper tool is located within the PathScribe tool stack in Adobe Illustrator's Advanced toolbar.
To access it:
Open Adobe Illustrator.
Ensure the VectorScribe plugin is installed and active.
Locate the PathScribe tool stack in the Advanced toolbar.
Click and hold the tool stack to reveal additional tools.
Select the Path Zipper tool.
When hovering over artwork, the tool provides visual annotations that indicate whether paths can be zipped immediately or require additional preparation.
Closing gaps between existing paths
One of the most common uses for the Path Zipper tool is repairing small gaps between two open paths.
For example, if two path segments should connect but are separated by a small distance, follow these steps:
Hover over the first side of the gap.
Click to average the start points.
Hover over the opposite side.
Click to average the end points.
Review the zipper preview annotation, which displays a red guide showing where the paths will meet.
Click to zip the paths together.
The result is a clean connection between the two paths without the need for manual anchor point editing.
Understanding Path Zipper annotations
The Path Zipper tool uses several visual indicators to help you understand what will happen before you click.
Green Annotations
A green annotation indicates that two paths already contain coincident points and are ready to be zipped together immediately.
Blue and Red Dots
Blue dots indicate existing anchor points.
A red dot shows the location where selected points will be averaged when you click. Once the points are averaged into the same position, the tool displays a green indicator confirming that coincident points now exist.
Purple Indicators
A solid purple dot represents an existing anchor point on one path.
A hollow purple dot indicates where a corresponding anchor point will be added to the opposite path. The red dot between them shows where the points will be aligned before being joined.
Magenta Indicators
When two path segments intersect but do not contain anchor points at the intersection, the tool displays magenta indicators. Clicking creates new anchor points at those locations, making it possible to establish coincident points and prepare the paths for zipping.
Controlling the tool
We recommend you use the AstuteBuddy panel to have easy access to the keyboard shortcuts available while you work. To locate the panel navigate to Window > Astute Graphics > Astute Buddy.
Keyboard shortcuts available:
[ ] = Left/Right bracket keys to change the cursor circle.
Aligning the points:
Shift = Align points to the topmost path in the stacking order.
Option/Alt = Align points to the next path in the stacking order.
Zipping the paths:
Shift = Zip to the topmost path in the stacking order.
Option/Alt = Zip to the bottom path in the stacking order.
Sift + Option/Alt = Override zipper mode and enter point aligning mode.
To access Path Zipper preferences:
Double-click the Path Zipper tool in the toolbar.
The preferences panel provides additional controls that can help tailor the tool's behavior to your workflow.
Closing small gaps in vector artwork no longer needs to involve tedious manual editing. The Path Zipper tool streamlines the process of fixing holes created in image tracing, repairing stock artwork, and refining AI generated artwork by intelligently creating coincident points and joining paths together.
With visual feedback, adjustable detection controls, and flexible alignment options, it provides an efficient solution for maintaining clean, production-ready vector artwork in Adobe Illustrator.
Try it for free for 7 days
Path Zipper is part of the VectorScribe plugin which you can try free for 7 days with just your email address. Find out more here…
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Ensure you have the VectorScribe plugin installed through your Astute Manager, then you can find the PathZipper tool stacked under the PathScribe tool in the Advanced Toolbar (Window > Toolbars > Advanced).
Need more help on this tool? Here's the full documentation for the Path Zipper tool.
