INKSCAPE PATH OPERATIONS: The Ultimate Guide for Vector Design Beginners

In order to manipulate paths there are ‘Boolean Operations’ which allow this to happen.

They are called Boolean operations as ‘Boolean’ is a result that can only have one of two possible values: true or false. This applies in Inkscape as vectors are points, lines, curves and shapes that are based on mathematical formulas. There are several operations to chose from, depending on how you would like to manipulate the path; each with a keyboard shortcut:

UNION (Ctrl + plus sign)

Merges one or more paths:

This is different from ‘Combine’ as the ‘Union’ merging method cannot be “ungrouped”, “released” or “broken apart.

DIFFERENCE (Ctrl + -)

The difference of two paths:

INTERSECTION (Ctrl + *)

The intersection of two or more paths:

EXCLUSION (Ctrl + ^)

The exclusion of two or more paths:

DIVISION (Ctrl + /)

The division of two paths:

CUT PATH (Ctrl + Alt + /)

The first path is cut by the second path:

COMBINE (Ctrl + K)

Merges the selected objects while keeping their paths separate:

This is different from ‘Union’ as the ‘Combine’ merging method can be “ungrouped”, “released” or “broken apart”.

BREAK APART (Ctrl + Shift + K)

Splits elements into individual path objects:

There are the most common methods of manipulating paths in Inkscape.

See you next time!

• The COMPLETE Cricut Font List: May 2024
• HANDWRITTEN FONTS TO MAKE YOUR DESIGNS POP!
• THE ETSY QUICK OVERVIEW
• FONT PAIRINGS FOR CANVA
• HOW TO CREATE RETRO WAVY TEXT IN INKSCAPE

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