Selecting individual paths

[DuncanS]

I'm an experienced Illustrator user that is struggling with such a basic function.

In the graphic, I draw a square, I then draw a ellipse on top of that square, then using minus back I punch through the square, giving me one object.

 

I want to know how to remove that ellipse again without only deleting one node at a time

 

In illustrator you would be able to double click on the object, and interact with the ellipse independently – e.g. move it / remove it 

 

[Alfred]

Welcome to the Serif Affinity Forums, Duncan.

 

By default the Geometry commands in the Affinity apps are destructive. If you want to be able to manipulate the subtracted shape, hold down the Option/Alt key when you click on the ‘Subtract’ icon: this will create a Compound object whose component parts can be selected via the Layers panel.

[toltec]

1 hour ago, DuncanS said:

I'm an experienced Illustrator user that is struggling with such a basic function.

In the graphic, I draw a square, I then draw a ellipse on top of that square, then using minus back I punch through the square, giving me one object.

 

I want to know how to remove that ellipse again without only deleting one node at a time

 

In illustrator you would be able to double click on the object, and interact with the ellipse independently – e.g. move it / remove it 

 

I'm not sure how your "minus back"creates a square with a hole, but normally, I would put the ellipse on top of the square, select both and go Layer > Geometry > Subtract (a boolean operation) which would do it.

 

Layer > Geometry > Divide would return it to two shapes. 

 

or do as Alfred suggests and create a compound path which is easily edited.

[DuncanS]

Thank you, using the option key to create a compound works a treat for most situations 

 

........ taking it further, a common function i'd use in Illustrator is "inset path" then expand that path and quickly delete the elements I need leaving me a single path round the outside for creating cutpaths for cutting out graphics.

 

As far as I know the workaround in Affinity is to apply strokes and then expand strokes and take it from there, please correct me if i'm wrong on this. 

 

Assuming you have to cheat this way to achieve an 'inset path'  I'm just hoping there is a way to create again a compound path so I can manipulate as illustrated here (hopefully)

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MEB]

Hi DuncanS,

Welcome to Affinity Forums

Yes you have to use the expand strokes method to achieve this. Regarding the question/issue on your screen capture you can separate the holes of the A going to menu Layer ▸ Geometry ▸ Divide to break curves layers (note the S) into their individual paths then add then use boolean operations (subtract or add) to recreate the intended shape. Alternatively select the Node Tool and delete all the internal nodes of the curve shape leaving just the nodes of the outer path. Here's a clip for the second method:

 

 

 

[DuncanS]

Divide works a treat, thank you one and all!!!

 

Onwards and upwards!

[firstdefence]

7 hours ago, MEB said:

Hi DuncanS,

Welcome to Affinity Forums

Yes you have to use the expand strokes method to achieve this. Regarding the question/issue on your screen capture you can separate the holes of the A going to menu Layer ▸ Geometry ▸ Divide to break curves layers (note the S) into their individual paths then add then all again using the Add boolean operation. Alternatively select the Node Tool and delete all the internal nodes of the curve shape leaving just the nodes of the outer path. Here's a clip for the second method:

 

I think you got a bit carried away deleting those nodes lol!

[MEB]

No, i did want to get the external outline only.

[firstdefence]

3 minutes ago, MEB said:

No, i did want to get the external outline only.

Oh I thought Duncan wanted to have the white left in. 

 

 

[MEB]

You're right. I misunderstood his post. I think he got the idea anyway. It's just a question of leaving the hole's nodes there and delete all the others except the outer outline's modes.

 

[EDIT] Instructions and clip corrected.

[firstdefence]

Another way to finish off if node deleting aint your bag.

[firstdefence]

3 minutes ago, MEB said:

You're right. I misunderstood his post. I think he got the idea anyway.

I certainly did, always learning from you guys

 

[MEB]

I also mentioned the break curves/boolean operation method (although again to get the whole shape filled).

[firstdefence]

Just now, MEB said:

I also mentioned the boolean operation method.

Thought I'd demo it for posterity lol!

[Move Along People]

-

[MEB]

Original post with instructions and clip corrected.

[lepr]

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