Using Boolean Operations to Create Complex Shapes

Boolean operations combine or modify shapes using Union (weld), Subtract, Intersect, and Exclude. These powerful tools let you create complex shapes that would be difficult to draw manually.

Select two or more overlapping shapes, then right-click and choose 'Union' or 'Weld'. This combines them into a single shape, perfect for creating custom letters or combining elements.

Select the shape you want to cut from (the base), then select the shape to subtract (the cutter). Right-click and choose 'Subtract'. The second shape will be removed from the first, creating a cutout effect.

Select overlapping shapes and choose 'Intersect'. Only the area where both shapes overlap will remain. Great for creating precise cutouts or masks.

The 'Exclude' operation keeps all non-overlapping areas and removes the overlapping portion. Useful for creating frames or borders around shapes.

• Create a donut: Draw a circle, duplicate it smaller, center it, then Subtract • Make a frame: Draw two rectangles (one larger, one smaller), center them, then Exclude • Custom letters: Draw multiple shapes and Union them together • Stencils: Use Subtract to create cutout letters or designs

• Convert text to paths before using boolean operations • Make sure shapes overlap where you want the operation to occur • Use Union to combine multiple elements into one cuttable shape • Group shapes first if you need to perform operations on multiple elements at once