Combining column of color ...

[decster1]

If I have 12 columns of colors how do I combine them all so I can use the pen tool straight across and expand stroke and when I click subtract at the top it subtracts from all the columns? I tried Grouping them and that didn't work.

[Old Bruce]

48 minutes ago, decster1 said:

If I have 12 columns of colors...

This is a very vague description. 

Which application are you using? Could be Publisher because the use of the word "columns" makes me think of Publisher's Tables tool. But the mention of the Pen Tool means it could be Designer (or Photo) with 12 Rectangle of different colours that look like Columns. 

[decster1]

Sorry Old Bruce I thought I was in a Designer forum only, I didn't notice it was for all Affinity. But that is what I'm using Affinity Designer. I'm sure there's a way to do it I'm but just learning Designer.

[firstdefence]

Do you need to keep this Vector?

If not you can group the columns and use the blend layer mode: Erase to knock out the expanded pen curve from the column group.

[firstdefence]

Another method is to colour the expanded curve the same as the background it's going to go on, this keeps it all vector.

As of yet Affinity cannot create compound layers and retain the colours of the individual nested objects, nor can affinity merge curves and retain individual colours

[decster1]

Thanks firstdefence I never gave that a thought! So just the blend mode to "Erase" that the expanded pen curve is on? GREAT idea! Still learning! I'll give it a try!

[decster1]

Here's what Im doing but I did it the hard way ...

[decster1]

That's a GREAT idea too!