SVG: how to separate/extract nodesfrom singleobject

[af-user]

Good evening!

 

I try to get used to Affinity Designer and now have a problem to work with nodes from an SVG file.

 

I have a file that gets loaded asa single layer object.

 

I now want to select some nodes and group them as new object or to cut them with ctrl + x but it always cuts the whole big object, not only the selected nodes.

I can delete selected nodes.

 

There is the "Divide" tool, that does get most parts separated into own objects, but sometimes has problems with thin lines like with my shield, it makes big filled objects instead of thin lines.

 

Maybe someone can tell me how I can get own objects out of closed nodes?

 

 

 

 

Problem this shield:

 

 

 

 

gets divided to full black objects:

HTML5-SVG-SingleObject.svg

shild.svg

[VIPStephan]

Hmm, strange. I just tried it and am surprised that I can’t split the compound shape into its parts. I was under the impression that this used to be possible. Anyway, for the HTML 5 logo what you could do is duplicate the whole thing and then delete all the nodes that you don’t want (e. g. select all the nodes except the ones that make the “H” and delete them, leaving you with just the H then). And then repeat this for the other parts.

[MikeW]

For the shield, the Divide is working properly. It breaks it into all four shapes that where used to make that shield. But they are not lines, they were/are filled shapes.

 

You just need to then select the bottom two objects in the Layers panel, then Subtract. Do the same with the remaining two (top two) objects.

 

It is this way in everything I use.

 

Edit to correct the first use of Subtract. Should have been Divide...

Edited July 24, 2016 by MikeW

[af-user]

Thanks for your answers!

 

@VIPStephan: Ok then I did not miss a nice tool to do it, might be something fora  feature request then, would speed up the workflow.

 

@MikeW: Your're totally right, it was already the source that had no lines and yes substraction is the way to go then, thanks!

 

[Signguy]

MikeW is correct, Divide does work.  One other thing that I do is after I divide the object, I switch over to Outline view mode ⌘Y (It really helps to be able to see the edges of your objects).  I then select the outer most edge, press shift and select the next edge closest to the outer and hit the Subtract Operation as MikeW suggested.  You can then keep repeating this process for the next inner shape.  

Divide Objects.mov

[MikeW]

BTW, the redrawn version attached are lines. It's not perfect per se. But it does demonstrate an SVG version will import as two separate objects and retain the line properties. Just use Open...

 

Mike

 

 

shield-xdp.svg

[af-user]

Wow, thank you all for the detailed insturctions and help!

Really apreciate it, thanks so much!

[JimmyJack]

Well here's something interesting.... seems we've lost some functionality.

 

I was going to post with "huh??????"

But I've answered my own question. Divide does indeed work (kinda)..... on the HTML svg too BTW. (you have to do one subtract after).

 

BUT only in the MAS version.... all Boolean options are grayed out in, at least, the last two "more stable" and "use these instead of MAS" Beta versions. Devs.... are you aware of this?

At the very least, it would imply that Divide is being tinkered with on the back end.... which is fantastic.

 

(in the Betas, I put a rectangle behind everything and did a divide to reconstitute the separate shapes)

[R C-R]

BUT only in the MAS version.... all Boolean options are grayed out in, at least, the last two "more stable" and "use these instead of MAS" Beta versions. Devs.... are you aware of this?

I saw the same thing & reported it in https://forum.affinity.serif.com/index.php?/topic/22762-affinity-designer-customer-beta-15-beta-6/?p=107330 (the Affinity Designer Customer Beta (1.5 - Beta 6) topic)

[VIPStephan]

Oh, so I’m not crazy or stupid; it’s just a bug, apparently. Phew!

[R C-R]

VIPStephan & MkeW, what version of Affinity Designer are you using & for what platform (Mac or PC)?

[MikeW]

R C-R,

 

VIP and myself are using Windows as is the OP, so the beta. In my case 1.5.0.7. OP and VIP has specs in his signature block.

[VIPStephan]

No, I’m using AD beta 6 (1.5.0.6) for Mac. But the operating system shouldn’t matter, I would guess.

[R C-R]

MattP confirmed that this bug is making an 'encore appearance' in the Mac beta.  :o

[MikeW]

Oops, sorry VIP. It was difficult for my little brain to keep things straight scrolling and replying using my phone.

 

Think I'll go back to lurking...