Filling and clearing areas with vectors

Remove area from a vector


Vectors are the ideal tool to mask areas or draw shape outlines. Sometimes however it is necessary to take away an area from a vector in order to create a more complex shape. In order to do this, we can control how inner and overlapping vectors are displayed.


Depending on the option previously activated, you can choose between the following:

  • Set to Clear - Cuts out the area of the inner/ overlapping vector from the underlying area.
  • Set to Fill - Adds the area of the inner vector to the overall shapes. 

The resulting effect will vary depending on the order in which vectors were drawn and how they overlap or connect.

To display a shape made of two vectors using Set to Clear:

  1. Draw two vectors with one inside the other.
  2. Ensure View as filled is selected in the Vector menu. 
  3. Activate the inner vector using the Vector Selection tool. 
  4. Go to Vector Menu > Set to Clear. You will now be able to see the shape inside as it’s information will be displayed without filled colour. 

This process can be reversed if required by repeating step 3 and choosing Vector > Set to Fill. 


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