Combining Curves leads to errors

[siruba747]

when combining curves the end results end up messed up.  There are workarounds but the program should do this correctly.  

2021-07-08 10-17-09.mkv

[Hangman]

Hi Paul,

Welcome to the forums...

It would be really helpful if you could upload your Designer file so we could see how it's been created. I realise you've used the pen tool but I think it all comes down to accuracy which is why it would be helpful so we can see if there are any obvious problems.

There are definitely issues with the Boolean Operation tools across the Affinity suite which the developers are aware off but at the same time it should be perfectly possible to achieve what you are looking for.

I've attempted to recreate your pattern and have applied the Add Boolean which (for me at least) is working as expected (admittedly on Mac rather than Windows) though I'm not aware of any difference between Boolean functionality across platforms.

In lieu of a proper offset tool you could perhaps use the contour tool to add the stiching lines to your pattern. You don't get a great deal of control over exact positioning, as in, you can't apply specific offset values (like you can in Illustrator) but I think you could easily apply the correct offset using guides for now.

Pattern.afdesign

[Sean P]

Hi siruba747,

Thank you very much for the video - we do have some issues logged with development that are causing some Boolean Operations to not give the results you would expect and the fill gets stretched to places you don't expect.

As Hangman has said if you could attach the file shown in your video that would be very helpful and we can pass that on to development 

In some cases you might find a Compound Boolean will work (Hold Alt when Clicking the Boolean Operation button). This creates a non destructive boolean that can be edited, however this can be commited using the 'Convert To Curves' option on the context toolbar - so this may work for you as a workaround.

For the offset tool, unfortunately I don't believe the Contour Tool will be able to quite do what you want. I know you've said you've tried the workarounds, so the only thing I could suggest is that you duplicate your original shape, apply a negative contour and then apply your dash to that. The only downside is that you need to modify both shapes if you need to make any changes (though you could try a Symbol Object with an unsync'd contour to help with that). However for the feature you would like to see I would definitely suggest making a post in the Feature Requests forum below:
https://forum.affinity.serif.com/index.php?/forum/53-feedback-for-affinity-designer-on-desktop/

[siruba747]

Thanks guys!  You are awesome.  I've told every graphics artist person I know about your software.  I absolutely love it.  The iPad versions BLOW EVERYONE ESLE AWAY, but I'm an old man and use a Windows PC.  So it allows me to design a design file on the pc, save on the cloud and pick it up with the iPad for tweaks when mobile.  Brilliant.  

tback front small.afdesign

[siruba747]

2 hours ago, Sean P said:

In some cases you might find a Compound Boolean will work (Hold Alt when Clicking the Boolean Operation button). This creates a non destructive boolean that can be edited, however this can be commited using the 'Convert To Curves' option on the context toolbar - so this may work for you as a workaround.

 

LOVE THIS.  Thanks!

[Sean P]

Thanks very much for the file - I'll get that passed on over! I can confirm adding your shapes as a Compound does allow you to work around the issue! 

[Hangman]

The issue, in part, seems to relate to curve orientation in relation to layers panel position though I don't think this is the entire cause of the problem...

When you switch the curve orientation for either the left or right panel on your graphic, so long as the object that has had its curve orientation switched appears above the other object in the layers panel then the Add Boolean operation works correctly. When it appears below the other object in the layers panel it doesn't work as it should.

This is the case irrespective of whether you change the curve orientation for the left or right panel.