Joining Nodes & Separate shapes

[TheSheep]

Hi, 

I'm new to Affinity Designer (v 1.6.5 mac) so sorry if this is has been mentioned somewhere on the forum I've followed the suggested method(s) (as stated in a tuts) and it's not working as expected? I select the 2 nodes I want to join to make one shape with the node tool then holding down the shift key the 2 nodes go blue as expected see image:

I then select and press the Join Curves tool and this happens? (I've also tried the close curve tool and that closes 2 red nodes, can we change the red nodes? If not can we have the option to change the red nodes)

Now I could be the idiot here, but I want it to join the 2 blue nodes I've selected and for love nor money I can't get it to work. 

Please can someone help, or is this an issue as I've literally spent 2 days trying to figure this out with tuts, forums and trials. 

Cheers,

Sean 

[firstdefence]

Hi Sean you cannot join a mid point node to an end node, if you try it will jump to an end node.

[Gabe]

Hi @TheSheep,

Welcome to the forums. 

A node cannot have more than 2 connections, so you cannot join the third line on an existing node. Joining lines will always join the "free" node. It's the same for closed shapes. You cannot join 2 closed shapes. 

Thanks,

Gabe. 

[TheSheep]

7 minutes ago, GabrielM said:

Hi @TheSheep,

Welcome to the forums. 

A node cannot have more than 2 connections, so you cannot join the third line on an existing node. Joining lines will always join the "free" node. It's the same for closed shapes. You cannot join 2 closed shapes. 

Thanks,

Gabe. 

Hi @GabrielM,

Thank you for your reply,  really appreciate it. I think I get what you mean. These are just lines at the moment as I'm trying to trace a picture. So is there no way of joining 2 nodes together to form one shape or do you have to trace it with the pen tool in one complete go (which i'm finding awkward with detailed areas)?

Cheers,

Sean  

 

[Gabe]

There is a way, but you would need to "expand curve". However, after you expand stroke you will not have the same control if you plan to change it at a later point:

[TheSheep]

Awesome THANK YOU!!!!

That's perfect for what I need, you are a true life saver!

I only need an image at the end of the trace, I'll adjust and sort before doing that. I produce music so I like to make my own record/cd sleeves and I'm a nerd haha. I used to use Ai/Ps but after a bust up with Adobe I found this wonderful tool and would never go back (I'm also telling everyone I know about AD/AP).  

Thanks again Gabe!