New user: boolean operations with pencil, vector, pen tool

[fjdb]

Hi - I'm sorry if this is just me not really knowing how vector engines work, but I've run into a problem with a project I'm working on.

So, what I'm trying to do is use the boolean operations to cut out a section of a shape with a vector brush tool/ pencil tool/ pen tool. However, what's being cut out of the shape is the "fill" of the brush shape. So, if you draw a curve and set its fill to a colour, it will "fill in" from the curve's starting point to endpoint.

And that is not what I'm trying to do. I just want to cut out the shape of the actual brushstroke. Is this possible or am I just going about it the wrong way?

I've attached a simplified image that basically visualises what I've written so you might be able to better understand what I'm trying to do and formulate.

*edit: so the blue and purple line illustrates what's happening while the green line is the thing I actually want to cut out. If possible, the ideal scenario would be that the green that is within the red circle would be cut out or would become its own shape while leaving the outside parts unchanged.

Best,

fjdb

Edited October 27, 2019 by fjdb
added additional information

[DM1]

Use convert to curves on circle  then use expand stroke on green line. Select both objects and then Subtract. Use Xor instead if you want to keep the parts outside the circle.

[fjdb]

Thank you! This worked! 

Do you mind explaining to me what convert to curves and expand stroke actually does to the circle and the brushstroke? 

[DM1]

Geometric shapes are provided in AD. These can be converted to curves, lines with adjustable nodes, allowing the shape to be altered. A stroke made with pen, brush or pencil is a central line with fill around it. The layer will have a label saying curve. Expanding the stroke further defines the shape, resulting in a line of nodes surrounding the outside of the original line, allowing it to be further modified. You can see in the attached pics.

if new to Designer this may help. 

 

[fjdb]

Again, thank you so much for the response! I appreciate it!