Creating interlocking chains in Illustrator.

Make a circle (or other shape) with the shape tool. Make sure the weight is fairly thick.

Outline the circle using the OBJECT menu.

Copy the circle so that you have two overlapping circles.

Secect them both and press the DIVIDE button on the pathfinder palette.

Each ring is now made up of four sections. Select three of them and press the ADD TO SHAPE AREA button. Don't forget to press the EXPAND button.

Merge the three segments of the other circle and you now have interlocking rings!

If your chain is going to be longer, be sure you have ALL your rings overlapping before dividing them with the pathfinder palette.

 

 

 

 
   

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