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How to merge to circles and rectangle in illustrator from this sketch to make a blob?
Now I'm trying to get this logo (using these shapes). Should I use the Metaball tool to create the one shape or another way?
Trying to get this shape happening (see left)
This is actually something which the Shape Builder Tool makes very easy and you can use the circle configuration you already have....
Without the need to draw any more paths.
This makes it a matter of seconds to get from the circle configuration to the desired end shape.
Note: This assumes the original circle configuration has the circles actually touching one another. If there's a slight gap between circles it may result in uneven curves in the final shape.
Like this?
If so then this should do the trick: http://shspage.com/aijs/en/#metaball
Note that you might want to play with the metaball parameter and interior circle size to get a smoother curve on the ends.
You can do this from within illustrator using the pathfinder tool:
Just draw out your shapes, select them, and unite them.
Another example:
