To efficiently use the Shape Builder tool in Adobe Illustrator to merge and subtract shapes in order to create complex geometric designs, follow these steps:
1. Open Adobe Illustrator and create the shapes you want to work with using the Shape Tool (Rectangle Tool, Ellipse Tool, etc.).
2. Select all the shapes you want to merge or subtract using the Selection Tool.
3. Activate the Shape Builder Tool by pressing Shift + M on your keyboard or by selecting it from the toolbar.
4. To merge shapes, simply click and drag the Shape Builder Tool across the overlapping areas of the shapes you want to combine. Illustrator will automatically merge the shapes into one.
5. To subtract shapes, hold down the Alt/Opt key while dragging the Shape Builder Tool across the shapes you want to subtract. This will create a hole in the shape.
6. Experiment with different combinations of merging and subtracting shapes to create complex geometric designs.
Using the Shape Builder Tool allows for quick and intuitive manipulation of shapes, making it a powerful tool for creating intricate and visually appealing designs in Adobe Illustrator.
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