Using Boolean operations

Boolean operations replace two or more closed shapes with one new outline.

How to

1. Select two or more closed shapes (Shift-click or drag a selection box).
2. In Properties → Combine shapes, choose:
   • Union — merge into one outline (often called weld).
   • Difference — subtract the other shapes from the first selected shape.
   • Intersection — keep only the area all shapes share.
   • Exclude — keep the areas covered by exactly one shape.
3. The result is a single editable path. Undo restores the originals.

When to use them

• Merge overlapping circles and a rectangle into one cloud or badge outline instead of cutting overlapping lines twice.
• Cut a window from a plaque with Difference instead of placing a separate hole.
• Make a frame by subtracting a smaller rounded rectangle from a larger one.

Precision

Booleans work on the flattened outline with sub-0.01 mm precision and return straight segments and arcs as a path. Combine before applying an Offset to keep corners predictable.