Shape builder
Joins or removes the pieces overlapping shapes make of each other by pointing at them. It is the one way of combining shapes you do not have to plan first, because the pieces are on screen to point at rather than named in a menu.
1
Select two or more shapes that cross. Every piece they cut each other into lights up as you move over it.
2
Drag across the pieces you want joined. Hold Alt while you drag to throw them away instead.
3
The pieces you painted are one shape. Everything you left is still there, ready for the next pass.