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Boolean Tools: Combine and Shape with Precision

Master Boolean Operations and Welding for Complex Shape Creation

The Boolean Tools in LightBurn allow you to combine or modify shapes to create complex vector designs. These tools include:

  • Boolean Union: Merges shapes.
  • Boolean Subtract: Removes one shape from another.
  • Boolean Intersection: Creates a shape from overlapping areas.
  • Weld: Combines multiple shapes into a single object.

Each tool serves a specific purpose, enabling advanced design techniques for your projects.

Where to Find Boolean Tools

  • Location: Modifiers Toolbar, Tools Menu
  • Keyboard Shortcuts:
    • Boolean Union: Alt/Option++
    • Boolean Subtract: Alt/Option+-
    • Boolean Intersection: Alt/Option+*
    • Weld: Ctrl/Cmd+W

QuickRef-BooleanTools

How Boolean Tools Work

Ref-BooleanTools-BooleanToolsInModifiersToolbar

Important Notes:

  • Closed Shapes Only: All selected shapes must be closed (continuous loops). Open shapes will disable Boolean tools.
  • Vectors Only: Boolean tools do not work with images.
  • Two-Shape Limit: Boolean operations require exactly two shapes or groups. For more than two shapes, use Weld instead.
  • Grouping Matters: Grouping shapes can change how Boolean tools behave, treating groups as single objects.

Boolean Operations

Boolean Union Icon-BooleanUnion

Shortcut: Alt/Option++

  • Purpose: Combines two shapes into one unified object.
  • Example: Use Union to merge overlapping shapes into a single path.

Ref-BooleanTools-UnionDemo

Boolean Subtract Icon-BooleanSubtract

Shortcut: Alt/Option+-

  • Purpose: Removes the second selected shape from the first and deletes it.
  • Tip: Selection order matters. If the wrong shape is subtracted, undo and reverse the selection order.

Ref-BooleanTools-SubtractDemo

Boolean Intersection Icon-BooleanIntersection

Shortcut: Alt/Option+*

  • Purpose: Creates a new shape from the overlapping area of two shapes.
  • Example: Use Intersection to extract shared regions of two overlapping objects.

Ref-BooleanTools-IntersectionDemo

Weld Icon-Weld

Shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+W

  • Purpose: Combines multiple shapes into one, similar to Union but supports more than two shapes.
  • Example: Use Weld to combine overlapping text or shapes into a single cohesive object.

Ref-BooleanTools-WeldDemo

Boolean Assistant

For beginners or complex designs, the Boolean Assistant provides a preview of all Boolean operations:

  • Access: Tools → Boolean Assistant or Ctrl/Cmd+B.
  • Features:
    • Displays live previews of each Boolean operation.
    • Allows you to reset shapes or confirm the desired operation.
    • Simplifies decision-making for the best result.

Weld vs. Boolean Union

When to Use Weld:

  • For combining multiple shapes simultaneously.
  • Ideal for basic overlap operations.

When to Use Boolean Union:

  • When inner shapes (like text within a ring) need to remain intact.
  • Grouping related shapes before using Union ensures a correct result.

Practical Applications

  • Advanced Vector Designs: Combine shapes to create intricate designs.
  • Text Integration: Use Union or Weld for text in logos or patterns.
  • Subtractive Design: Remove sections of one shape using Subtract for precision cuts.

Hotkeys for Boolean Tools

Action Hotkey
Boolean Union  Alt/Option++
Boolean Subtract  Alt/Option+-
Boolean Intersection  Alt/Option+*
Weld  Ctrl/Cmd+W

Mastering Boolean Tools and Weld will elevate your design capabilities in LightBurn, allowing for precise and efficient creation of complex vector shapes.