2013

Shape Handling 135
The joined shape on the left shows the number of segments which overlap. On the right are the
original three circles shown unjoined.
Breaking joined shapes
Choose "Arrange -> Break shapes". This breaks the joined shape into separate
objects, but the original attributes will not be restored to the separated objects. You
can also break several joined shapes in one operation.
Combining shapes
The COMBINE SHAPES option (select the objects, right click and choose COMBINE
SHAPES
) provides you with a range of advanced options to combine shapes to make
new shapes, such as adding, cutting, or slicing. You can use combine shapes on any
type of object, including bitmaps.
When subtracting, intersecting and slicing, you use the topmost selected shape to do
the “cutting” of the lower shapes.
Creating holes in shapes
Right click and choose "COMBINE SHAPES" > "SUBTRACT SHAPES". This is similar to
using join shapes (described above). The differences are:
• The top shape becomes a hole through the other shapes.
• The line attributes and colors of the underlying shapes are unchanged.
• Combine shapes physically alters the lines. The only way to restore the original
shapes is by using undo.