Object overlap causes object substraction at overlap

[VanAwful]

Combining different objects is no problem. The problem I am having is when I take a single object and over lap it on to itself. How do I overlap an object onto itself without it subtracting where the overlap occurs?

[gwpriester]

Welcome to TalkGraphics

Not sure how you did this.

Because your shape basically doubles back over itself, it acts in a different way (as you have seen). It is more like you Joined the two shapes.

I recreated your shape, then broke it into two shapes which I then added together (Arrange > Add Shapes)

[James Allen]

Welcome to TalkGraphics

Not sure how you did this. But can you Break Shapes (Arrange > Break Shapes)?

Then delete the diamond shape and select the ribbon shape and the inside that and Arrange > Join Shapes.

You can't do it this way, unfortunately.

Here is the technique I use for this, though someone might know a better one. See attached file.

[James Allen]

It is more like you Joined the two shapes.

You just draw a image with your pencil and copy the shape in question. When you join it at the last node, you'll see the cut out shape.

I recreated your shape, then broke it into two shapes which I then added together (Arrange > Add Shapes)

This works, but the problem is that this effect occurs with complex drawings too, and that would involve a lot of node editing.

[James Allen]

Here’s a VIDEO in case my explanation was hard to understand.

The simple image is fixed in about 15 seconds, while the complex one takes about 35 seconds.

[masque]

Hi
Draw a line to conform to the shape you want. Increase line thickness to the thickness you require. Convert line to shape and adjust to create flared ends.
Take longer to do it than I did and get exactly what you need.
Derek

[PhilM]

This is all about an attribute called the "winding rule" which controls how a shape is filled.

There is no user interface to directly control the winding rule but here's a little trick that you can use.

* In the text tool type a letter, any letter
* Convert it to editable shapes
* Copy it
* Now select the original self-intersecting "ribbon" shape
* Now paste attributes

That works because text uses a different winding rule than normal shapes.

Phil

[handrawn]

thanks for that Phil

[James Allen]

There is no user interface to directly control the winding rule but here's a little trick that you can use.

Excellent trick, Phil. I wish I had known it ten years ago.

One thing - it didn't work completely with the more complex shape (see attached).

[masque]

Again
line, convert line to shape. Or leave as line. Am I missing something?
Derek