How to Intertwine Shapes in Illustrator CC 2023+

Learn a brand new feature to intertwine shapes in Illustrator CC 2023+ in a matter of seconds, and say goodbye to old methods of layer masking and hiding objects behind each other.

Intertwine Shapes in Illustrator

How to Intertwine Shapes in Illustrator CC 2023+

Video Tutorial

You can easily follow along with my quick, under 2-minute video tutorial below and see for yourself this awesome new Illustrator feature in action.


Step-by-Step Tutorial

Below you can see the example I am going to demonstrate with. Note that this feature only works with paths (add strokes to better see the effect) and not filled shapes. I have placed three circles/ovals on top of the other, and we will intertwine the shape together.

Also, note that this is a brand new feature for Illustrator CC 2023, so make sure you are up-to-date with the latest version of Illustrator in your Creative Cloud account.

Below you can see the example I am going to demonstrate with. Note that this feature only works with paths (add strokes to better see the effect) and not filled shapes. I have placed three circles/ovals, on on top of the other, and we will intertwine the shape together.

Make Intertwine

Step 1 – Select all shapes you would like to intertwine with the selection tool.

Step 1 - Select all shapes you would like to intertwine with the selection tool.

Step 2 – With the shapes (strokes) selected, go to object > intertwine > make.

Step 2 - With the shapes (strokes) selected go to object > intertwine > make.

Step 3 – A lasso-like cursor will now appear, which means you are in intertwine mode.

Step 3 - A lasso-like cursor will now appear, which means you are in intertwine mode.

Step 4 – Click, hold, and drag around the two intersecting points you would like to intertwine in a circular motion, then release.

Step 4 - Click, hold, and drag around the two intersecting points you would like to intertwine in a circular motion, then release.

Step 5 – If done correctly, the two paths will intertwine.

Step 5 - If done correctly, the two paths will intertwine.

Step 6 – Repeat as many times as you like with the shapes still selected, then click off the selection once you’re happy for your completed intertwined shape.

Step 6 - Repeat as many times as you like with the shapes still selected, then click off the selection once you're happy for your completed intertwined shape.

Release and Edit Intertwine

Step 7 – To release, simply select the shape (it will select as one shape) and go to object > intertwine > release to release the effect (as you would, say, a clipping mask).

Step 7 - To release, simply select the shape (it will select as one shape) and go to object > intertwine > release to release the effect (as you would, say, a clipping mask).

Step 8 – To go back in and edit and add more intertwines, select the shape and go to object > intertwine > edit and you will return to the edit mode with the lasso-like cursor.

Step 8 - To go back in and edit and add more intertwines, select the shape and go to object > intertwine > edit and you will return to the edit mode with the lasso-like cursor.

Intertwining is such a cool effect, especially for logos, badges, and emblems, but it has always been a difficult effect to bring to life, needing a combination of clipping masks and several layers.

Now, with this new feature, you can create some beautiful intertwining shapes, logos, and patterns in a matter of seconds, all controlled through the intertwine feature. Give it a try and see for yourself how awesome it is!