Aligning edges using the basic dragging motion of the Zipper Tool is significantly easier than more complex operations like integration. It's approximately 12,000% faster than attempting to snap vector points together manually. This tool is particularly useful when working with drawn polygons or polygons optimized at different resolutions.

Create Two Polygons

Create the polygons

1. Create two polygons.

   To learn how to create the overlays, visit these links

    

   Draw a rectangle - (Rectangle Tool)

   Circle Tool—Draw a circle

   Draw a polygon - (Polygon Tool)

    

Zip together the polygons

Configure the Zipper Tool

1. Select the "Edit/Measure Tool" in the top toolbar and select the "Zipper Tool" from the submenu.

   Quick Key: Or you can press the "V" button on your keyboard.

2. Enter the "Size" of the Zipper tool.
3. Select the "Method" for the Zip:
   • Meet at Middle
   • Meet at First Edge
4. For a parallel zip, check "Flat Ends".

   The "Flat Ends" option in the Zipper Tool modifies the endpoints of joined polygons to create straight, uniform boundaries, offering a clean and orderly appearance by linearly aligning edges, irrespective of the original polygon shapes.

Zip the Polygons

1. Position the Pointer of the Zipper Tool between the two polygons.
   • The blue dashed line indicates the initial position and the area where the polygons will start to join.
   • You can control the joining point by adjusting the position of the control point (white dot).

   The location of the control point determines which polygon will be zipped to which.
   Place the control point at the desired edge of one polygon to guide the tool in zipping the polygons accurately.

2. Slide Across the Polygon:
   • Click and hold the pointer, then drag it across the area between the two polygons.
     As you move the pointer, the Zipper Tool will create a dynamic dashed line indicating the connection path.
   • Continue to drag until you reach the desired joining point.
3. Release the pointer to complete the zip operation.
   The polygons will merge along the path you created, resulting in a seamless connection. This action aligns the edges of the polygons precisely, creating a unified shape.