You can combine two or more shapes in a variety of ways. For example, you can join two shapes together (union) or use one shape as a “cookie-cutter” to remove pieces from another shape (subtraction). The new combined shape has a single fill and border.
Compound shapes are a result of Boolean operations. The result is fully editable at any time. All shapes retain their special properties like round corners or sides. Compound shapes are also known as Boolean groups.
Elements within compound shapes have an icon displaying their effect on the elements below them.
Union
Combine two or more objects together so they become a single shape, which is the sum of the objects’ areas.
Subtract
Use the upper object as a “cookie cutter” to remove an area from the lower object.
Intersect
Uses the area where the original objects overlap.
Difference
Uses the area where the original objects do not overlap.
To make a compound shape:
- Select 2 or more vector objects.
- Click or click the Create Compound Shape button on the toolbar.
- Choose a Boolean operation (Union, Subtract, Intersect or Difference).
You can split the compound shape to its original parts by pressing + + to ungroup. All properties of the original objects are restored.
Compound shapes are non-destructive and can be changed to a different merge operation:
Create Compound Shape drop-down on the toolbar, or Compound options in the Inspector panel.
Compound shapes are cumulative, so you can have multiple Boolean operations (Union, Subtract, Intersect, or Difference) in one compound shape.
You can 2 or more compound shapes that have been combined by clicking or pressing + + .
After you create the nested compound shape, you can change the Boolean operation type in the Compound section of the Inspector panel.
