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In Inkscape, select at least two compatible objects or paths, open Path, and choose an operation such as Union, Difference, or Intersection. The right choice depends on whether you want to merge outlines, subtract one shape from another, keep only an overlap, or split paths. For Difference and Division, check which object is on top before applying the command.
Choose a path operation by the result you want
Inkscape’s path operations work on at least two objects or paths that can be converted for the operation. They are in the Path menu. Select the items first, then choose the command that matches the geometry you need.
| Goal | Operation | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Join overlapping or adjacent forms into one outline | Union | Keeps the common outer outline of the selected paths. |
| Subtract one shape from another or punch a hole | Difference | Subtracts the upper path from the lower, base path. Stacking order matters. |
| Keep only the area shared by the selected shapes | Intersection | Keeps the parts covered by all selected paths. |
| Remove the overlap between two shapes | Exclusion | Keeps regions covered by an odd number of paths; with two paths, the non-overlapping regions remain. |
| Cut a lower path into pieces using an upper path | Division | Uses the upper path to cut the lower path into pieces. Stacking order matters. |
| Split paths where they intersect | Cut Path | Creates as many paths as there are intersections between the two paths. |
| Keep separate parts together as one object | Combine | Combines independent subpaths into a single object. |
| Turn independent subpaths into separate objects | Break Apart | Creates separate objects from a path’s independent subpaths. |
For example, use Union to turn overlapping pieces into one silhouette. Use Difference when a top shape should carve away part of a base shape. If you need only the shared lens-shaped area where two forms overlap, use Intersection instead.
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Apply an operation and check its result
- Select at least two objects or paths that Inkscape can convert for the chosen operation.
- For an order-sensitive operation, check the stacking order. In Difference, the upper object is subtracted from the lower base object; for Division, the upper path cuts the lower one.
- Open Path and click the operation you want. The resulting geometry should appear on the canvas.
- If the result does not appear, read Inkscape’s status-bar error message; it gives the reason the operation failed.
When a result is unexpected, first confirm that the intended objects were selected and that the base and cutting objects are in the correct stacking order. The exact interface behavior can vary by Inkscape version.
#1 Best Overall
Wacom Intuos Small, Wired Graphic Drawing Tablet with Pen + Software
- Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR, battery free technology that feels like pen on paper
- Works With All Software: Wacom Intuos tablet can be used in any software program to explore new facets of digital creativity; draw, paint, edit photos/videos, create designs, and mark up documents
- What the Professionals Use: Wacom's industry leading pen technology and pen to paper feeling makes it the preferred drawing tablet of professional graphic designers
- Software and Training Included: Only Wacom gives you software with every purchase. Register your Intuos tablet and gain access to some of the best creative software and Wacom's online training
- Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life
Convert a geometric shape when you need node editing
Rectangles, ellipses, stars, and spirals made with shape tools are shape objects, not paths. To edit their geometry as path nodes, select the shape and choose Path > Object to Path. You can then use the Node tool to adjust nodes, handles, and segments.
In the documented workflow, converting a shape to a path is one-way: a path cannot be converted back into a shape object with its original shape-specific controls. Duplicate the shape before conversion if you may want to adjust those controls later.
Rank #2
UGEE M708 Drawing Tablet, 10x6 inch Large Space for Digital Drawing
- Large Active Drawing Space: UGEE M708 V3 graphic drawing tablet features 10 x 6 inch large active drawing space with papery texture surface, provides enormous and smooth drawing for your digital artwork creation, offers no-lag sketch and painting experience
- 16384 Passive Stylus Technology: A more affordable passive stylus technology offers 16384 levels of pressure sensitivity allows you to draw accurate lines of any weight and opacity according to the pressure you apply to the pen, sharper line with light pressure and thick line with hard pressure for artistry design or unique brush effect for photo retouching
- Compatible with Multiple System and Softwares: Powerful compatibility, tablet for drawing computer, perform well with Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS X 10.10 or later, Android 10.0 or later, mac OS 10.12 or later, Chrome OS 88 or later and Linux; Driver program works with creative software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Macromedia Flash, Comic Studio, SAI, Infinite Stratos, 3D MAX, Autodesk MAYA, Pixologic ZBrush and more
- Ergonomically Designed Shortcuts: 8 customizable express keys on the side for short cuts like eraser, zoom in and out, scrolling and undo, provide a lot more for convenience and helps to improve the productivity and efficiency when creating with the drawing tablet
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The UGEE M708 V3 offers USB to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C, ensuring easy connection to various devices and allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns; Whether using a laptop, desktop, chromebook, or tablet, the UGEE M708 V3 provides a seamless experience for those just starting their digital art journey
When to edit nodes or use a Live Path Effect
Use the Node tool for local geometry changes
If you only need to refine a curve or move particular points, the Node tool lets you edit the path’s nodes, handles, and segments directly. This avoids applying a broader operation when a local adjustment is enough.
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Use a Live Path Effect when adjustability matters
A Live Path Effect is a non-destructive, adjustable alternative for some path transformations. You can change its settings in the Path Effects dialog while retaining the original path, rather than committing immediately to a fixed result.
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Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Sale
HUION Inspiroy H640P 6x4 inch Drawing Tablet 8192 Pen Pressure
- Customize Your Workflow: The 6 customizable press keys on Huion H640P drawing tablet for pc let you assign your most-used commands—like undo, zoom, brush switch, or save—so you can keep your hands on the tablet and your mind on the art. Whether you're a digital painter switching brushes, or a comic artist zooming in and out, these keys keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, the Huion driver lets you save different shortcut profiles for different apps, so you never have to reconfigure when switching software.
- Professional Pen Performance: Huion H640P drawing pad for computer comes with the battery-free PW100 stylus that's always ready when inspiration strikes. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, every light sketch, or bold stroke responds naturally to your hand—just like a real pen. The 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS report rate deliver lag-free, precise strokes, so you can draw confidently without second-guessing your cursor. The pen side buttons help you switch between pen and eraser instantly.
- Compact and Portable: Huion H640P computer graphics tablet features a compact, ultra-portable design at just 0.3 inches thin and 0.61 lbs light, so it slides easily into your backpack—perfect for sketching in coffee shops, taking notes in class, or editing on the go between home and studio. The 6x4 inch active area offers enough room for natural pen movements while fitting comfortably on crowded desks, or lecture hall seats.
- Stable Compatibility: Huion H640P graphic drawing tablet works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, Linux PCs, and Android smartphones/tablets (OS version 6.0 or later). Left-handed friendly, and you just need to flip the tablet and adjust the settings in the driver. Please note: H640P does NOT support iPhone/iPad.
- Move Beyond the Mouse: Huion Inspiroy H640P is a pen tablet that replaces your mouse for more natural, precise control. Freehand draw, take notes, or even play OSU—everything you do with a mouse, you can do better with a pen. The precise tip makes it ideal for detailed photo editing, graphic design, or signing PDF. Meanwhile, the ergonomic pen grip helps you avoid the strain that comes from hours of using a mouse.
Rank #4
Sale
HUION Inspiroy H1060P Graphics Drawing Tablet, 10 x 6.25 in, 12+16 Hot Keys
- Working Area Configuration - HUION art tablet equips with a 10 x 6.25 inches working area, providing the user with the most comfortable size to work; the 10mm slim structure and minimalist design of appearance make the drawing tablet more attractive.
- Tilt Function Battery-free Stylus: This computer graphics tablet come with a battery-free stylus PW100, no need to charge, allowing for constant uninterrupted drawing. ±60° tilt support enables imitation of lines input with diverse drawing gestures, with accuracy ensured.
- Press Keys:12 programmable press keys plus 16 programmable soft keys, you can set shortcut keys on drawing tablet's driver based on your preferences, such as erase, zoom in/out, scroll up and down, and so on.
- Compatibility: HUION graphics tablet supports Windows 7 or later/ macOS 10.12 or later/ Android 6.0 or later/ Linux (Ubuntu). A USB adapter is required to connect to a Mac computer. H1060P supports various mainstream design and drawing software, including PS, SAI, AI, CDR, etc. (Please note: The H1060P is compatible with Ubuntu, but it requires the use of the Xorg display server. Wayland is not supported.)
- NOTE: You can easily connect your phone to the art tablet via the OTG connector; while iPhone and iPad are NOT at the moment. The cursor will not show up in the SAMSUNG Galaxy S series at present. If you are not sure whether the product is compatible with your Phone or any help, please contact us.
Rank #3
Sale
XPPen Deco 01 V3 10x6 Drawing Tablet, 16K Battery-Free Stylus, 8 Keys
- Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
- Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
- Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
- Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey
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