# Combine shapes and mask images

Use Union, Subtract, Intersect, Exclude, Divide and editable masks.

## Choose a boolean operation [#choose-a-boolean-operation]

Select compatible vector shapes or drawings and open the appearance controls or context menu.

| Operation | Result | Example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Union | Combined filled area | Join circles into a cloud |
| Subtract | Front shapes cut the backmost shape | Cut a hole in a badge |
| Intersect | Only overlapping area | Keep a shared lens shape |
| Exclude | Non-overlapping area | Make a ring from overlapping shapes |
| Divide | Partition the backmost shape | Split a shape into regions |

Subtract and Divide depend on stacking order. Results use the backmost operand's paint. If the result looks reversed, check which shape is behind the others.

![Five boolean results for two overlapping squares. Dashed outlines show the original shapes.](/docs/illustrations/boolean-en.svg)

## Edit the original shapes [#edit-the-original-shapes]

Boolean groups keep their source shapes. Double-click the group or choose **Edit Sources**, edit a source, then choose **Finish Editing** or press Escape. **Release Boolean Group** restores the editable originals.

## Create an image mask [#create-an-image-mask]

Select one image and vector sources, then choose **Create Mask**. The mask controls where the image is visible without changing the source image or crop. Opacity and gradient transparency affect the mask.

Use **Edit Mask** to adjust the image and mask sources. **Finish Editing** returns to the masked result; **Release Mask** separates the originals.

## Use text as geometry [#use-text-as-geometry]

**Convert to Vector** outlines text for boolean operations and masks. Text masks are outlined when created. Outlined text cannot be edited as text or extracted by plain-text export.

Unavailable fonts, missing glyphs, unsupported paint or excessive geometry can prevent conversion. Do not assume a failed conversion substituted a font. Undo restores editable text.