Intersecting and Subtracting Shapes and Other Stuff in Affinity Designer

[RaananaGamer]

When using the intersect tool with shapes created in Affinity Designer, it works as I would expect it to. My problem - or challenge - is when working with added files or stuff from the clipboard.

For example, sc5.png shows a rectangle drawn in Affinity placed on top of a partial screenshot pasted in from the clipboard. 

• If I select both and then use the Intersect tool, I get nothing. (See sc6.png but ignore the red square!)
• If I change the stacking order, select both and then use the intersect tool, it works as expected. (See sc7.png but ignore the red square!)

I get the same results as above if, instead of a screenshot pasted in from the clipboard, I drag and drop a PNG file and use that.

How do I get the Intersect tool to work so that when the screenshot (or image from file) is on the bottom, and the rectangle is on the top, the intersection produces a rectangle sized bite of the screenshot?

I am having the related problem when trying to use the Subtract tool. I assume whatever I am doing wrong in using the Intersect tool, when sorted, will fix the subtract issue. But, for the sake of completeness, here it is:

Again, sc5.png shows the starting point.

• If I select both and then use the Subtract tool, I get nothing. (See sc8.png.)
• If I change the stacking order, select both and then use the Subtract tool, I get nothing - not even the outlines in sc7.

How do I get the Subtract tool to work so that I can remove shapes from the screenshot?

[GarryP]

Attached is a short video which shows one way to do the first thing you asked about (if I have understood your requirements correctly). There will be other ways, some may be better in some circumstances.

[RaananaGamer]

GarryP, that was fast! Thanks very much for taking the time to post. That is one way I would never have found on my own.

 

[GarryP]

You're welcome.