Combining objects

To create new shapes by combining or altering existing objects, use the Combine Objects commands in the Modify menu (Modify > Combine Objects). In some cases, the stacking order of selected objects determines how the operation works. The Combine Objects commands are:

Union

Joins two or more shapes into a single shape. The result is a single Object Drawing model shape consisting of all the portions visible on the shapes before they were unified. The unseen, overlapping portions of the shapes are deleted.

Note: Unlike when you use the Group command (Modify > Group), you cannot break apart shapes joined by using the Union command.

Intersect

Creates an object from the intersection of two or more objects. The resulting Object Drawing shape consists of the overlapping portions of the combined shapes. Any part of the shape that doesn’t overlap is deleted. The resulting shape uses the fill and stroke of the top-most shape in the stack.

Punch

Removes portions of a selected object as defined by the overlapping portions of another selected object positioned in front of it. Any part of a shape that is overlapped by the top-most shape is deleted, and the top-most shape is deleted entirely. The resulting shapes remain as separate objects, and are not combined into a single object (unlike the Union or Intersect commands, which join the objects together).

Crop

Uses the shape of one object to crop another object. The front or topmost object defines the shape of the cropped area. Any part of an underlying shape that overlaps with the top-most shape remains, while all other portions of the underlying shapes are deleted, and the top-most shape is deleted entirely. The resulting shapes remain as separate objects, and are not combined into a single object (unlike the Union or Intersect commands, which join the objects).