Cutting Holes in Shapes

Overview

Unlike Raster images, which store the values of each pixel, Vector graphics store only the instructions needed to create the image. This results in some interesting and potentially useful quirks, such as what happens when a single path instruction contains more than one path. This is done by adding an instruction that means "jump to this new position" between segments.

When more than one path are linked together like this, something strange happens. Areas where there paths overlap become transparent holes, while areas that don't overlap are drawn normally. Thus, we can use this feature to cut holes in our shapes or combine several shapes into a single unit.

In Lil' Vector, this can be done by selecting multiple shapes in the Shape Management Window and then clicking on the "Join Paths" button. Note that the higher shape will "cut" into the shape below it, so position your shapes in the correct order before using this feature.

Reversing the Cuts

You can break apart a shape with multiple paths using the "Split Path" button or the "Break up Selected Shape" menu option. This will split the current shape into its individual paths, which can then be treated like any other object.

Another option, if you're willing to take the trouble, is to delete the individual nodes that make up the unwanted paths. When the last node is removed, so is the path.