Working with Layers

Merging Layers

You can apply Boolean operations to two or more layers in order to create a new combined shape. You can find out what each operation does below.

1 – Union

2 – Subtract

3 – Intersect

4 – Exclude

To merge layers, select two or more of them and choose one of the layer merging tools.

The configuration of a new shape depends on the size and location of the overlapping areas, but it doesn't depend on color or gradient fill, texture, shadow or other effects applied to the original objects. If the original objects are in a vector format, vector paths in these objects will be used. In case of a raster image, the program will use its rectangular outline as the path. The alpha channel (transparency) will be ignored as well.

The new shape automatically takes properties and effects which were applied to the lowest of the original layers. After the creation of the new layer, the original ones will be removed. Consequently:

• There is no reason to apply effects to upper layers you are going to merge.
• If you wish to keep the original layers in your design intact, create copies of them.

Union

The resulting layer shape is the sum of merged layers shapes.

Subtract

The shape of the object on the lowest layer is the basis for a new shape. The other objects determine the area(s) that will be cut off. The result is a part of the lowest object that is not overlaid by other(s). If the objects don't overlay, the result looks like the lowest object.

Intersect

The result is the area(s) where all of the selected layers overlap. If there are no such areas, the program doesn't modify the document.

Exclude

If the objects overlay, the overlapping area becomes excluded (transparent). Without overlapping, the result is similar to the union operation.