Boolean operations
Combine two or more shapes using union, subtract, intersect, or exclude.
Operation types
Boolean operations combine two or more selected shapes into a single resulting path. The four operations are:
| Operation | Result |
|---|---|
| Union | Merges all selected shapes into one outline. Overlapping areas are filled. |
| Subtract | Cuts the top shape(s) from the bottom shape. The top shapes act as a cookie cutter. |
| Intersect | Keeps only the area where the selected shapes overlap. Everything else is removed. |
| Exclude | Keeps the areas that do not overlap. Overlapping areas become holes. |
How to apply a boolean operation
- Select two or more shapes or vectors on the canvas.
- Open the node settings panel in the right inspector.
- Find the Boolean operations row and click Union, Subtract, Intersect, or Exclude.
The result is a combined shape. The original shapes become sub-layers inside the boolean group. You can still select and reposition them individually to adjust the result.
Flatten to a single path
A boolean operation result is a live group — the original shapes still exist as sub-layers. To convert it to a single, flat vector path:
- Select the boolean group.
- Use the flatten button in the node settings panel.
Flattening is permanent. Duplicate the original shapes before flattening if you might need to adjust them later.
Tips
- Use Union to merge multiple circles or rectangles into a complex logo or icon outline.
- Use Subtract to punch holes in a shape — for example, cut a keyhole from a rectangle to make a key icon.
- Use Intersect to create a masked shape that takes the form of the overlap area.
- Use Exclude to create hollow ring or frame shapes.
- Boolean operations work on shapes, rectangles, ellipses, and vector paths. They do not work on text layers directly — flatten the text to a vector first.