Using Booleans to Create Complex Shapes

Boolean commands can be used to subtract, intersect, and add shapes. Booleans are very useful for joining two shapes together, or cutting a hole in a shape to make room for another object. For example, a hole can be cut into a deck to make room for a hot tub.

The Boolean commands can only be used with shape-based objects, such as patios, decks, regions, and more. Booleans do not function with non-shape based objects such as accessories, or with unclosed shapes such as fencing and hedges.

To use a Boolean, you must first select two objects. The order that the two objects are selected is important, as it will determine the Boolean’s effect. The first object selected is the object that will be changed, while the second object selected is the object that will be doing the changing.

Because the second object selected is the “changer”, the type of object does not matter. For example, if you need to cut a hole into a deck, the shape used to create the hole can be any object, such as a patio or region. Keep in mind that the second object will be deleted, so it is recommended to copy and paste it first.

To add shapes:

1.   Click the first object to select it. The first object selected should be object type you wish to use.

2.   Hold the Shift key and click on the second object to select it.

3.   Click the Add Shape button that appears near the top of the screen under the Main tab. Alternately, click Edit, Shape, and Boolean Add.

To subtract shapes:

1.   Click the first object to select it. The first object should be the object that you want to change.

2.   Hold the Shift key and click on the second object to select it. The second object should be the shape that you wish to subtract from the first object.

3.   Click the Subtract Shape button that appears near the top of the screen under the Main tab. Alternately, click Edit, Shape, and Boolean Subtract.

To intersect shapes:

1.   Click the first object to select it. The first object should be the object you wish to change.

2.   Hold the Shift key and click on the second object to select it.

3.   Click the Intersect Shape button that appears near the top of the screen under the Main tab. Alternately, click Edit, Shape, and Boolean Intersect.

The example in the picture below shows four decks and four round patios.

The example in the picture below shows how the Add, Subtract, and Intersect Booleans were used to provide three different results.

See also:

Selecting Objects
Undoing and Redoing Changes
Saving and Loading Shapes