Complete Curves not Subtracting - Affinity Designer

[Beck]

Hey everyone, 

I am having trouble subtracting one curve with another. Usually I can go to Layer > Fill Mode and change settings here which fixes it, but this time it doesn't.

I want this top curve pattern to subtract into the bottom excavator - but here, when clicking "subtract" nothing is happening: 

 

 

Curves still appear as is after highlighting both and subtracting: 

 

 

Is there another setting or trick somewhere that can help with this? 

 

I've attached Affinity file if need

 

 

subtract curves.afdesign

[Aammppaa]

I don't know why it isn't working, but...

Layer > Geometry > Separate Curves on the distressed pattern.

Then Add it back together.

Now Subtract from the digger, and it worked for me.

[Aammppaa]

@anto This is not the same thing. OP wanted to subtract the geometry (a destructive Boolean operation), while you are simply using the digger as a clipping mask.

[Dan C]

Hi Beck, 

I'm looking into what's causing the Boolean subtract to fail, though it's quite a complex object so I suspect this is the cause.

There's a very simple workaround though, right click on the cracked object, geometry > separate curves, then immediately right click on the layers panel whilst the many objects are still selected and group them.

The subtract operation will now work with this new group.

Lee

[Beck]

Hey All! Thanks for your help! 

I have tried these suggested ways but none have worked unfortunately!

Layer > Geometry > Separate Curves on the distressed pattern. Then Add it back together. Now Subtract from the digger. 
This didnt work: 

 

Right click on the cracked object, geometry > separate curves, then immediately right click on the layers panel whilst the many objects are still selected and group them.

This unfortunately didnt work either: 

 

Open to more suggestions on how to do this!

 

[Dan C]

Could you try reversing the selection order before applying the boolean subtract.

This should result in something like the image below:

Lee

[Beck]

On 11/13/2023 at 8:16 PM, Lee_T said:

Could you try reversing the selection order before applying the boolean subtract.

This should result in something like the image below:

Lee

Hey Lee!

I wasnt sure what you meant about "reversing the selection order" - so i tried a few things with still no luck: 

 

 

- changed the layers order (tractor ontop of pattern) 

- selected layers in different orders (tractor then pattern, pattern then tractor) 

 

Are you able to screen record or snapshot the steps you are taking to do this? Maybe im misinterpreting your steps or missing a step!