Let’s Explore v4 – Modify Panel – Compound Paths Explained

So last week we talked about the differences in welding, subtract, subtract all, intersect, divide and crop in the Modify Panel – Tab 1. This week we are moving on to something that I think is very often more confusing than it should be – Modify Panel – Part 2 – Compound Paths.

First, if you are just joining us, the Modify Panel is on the right side of the Silhouette Studio v4 software.

Last week we dove into the top section of the panel under the Modify header and this week we are going to look at the bottom section – Compound Paths and Detach Lines.

So first, what is a compound path?

A compound path is a way 2 shapes interact with each other.

For example – let’s look at the letter ‘O’.

The letter ‘O’ is made up of 2 ovals on top of each other that are a compound path (left). If you release the compound path, then you have 2 ovals stacked on top of each other (right).

Both of these will still cut the same, but a compound path design when filled with color, will look more like the end result of what you are cutting.

Let’s take another look:

I have used the USA State Dingbat Font by Sandi Idleman in the Silhouette Design Store, to create my state shape. Then I used the Text Tool to write out Montana and placed it across the design.

On the top, the 2 designs are layered on top of each other, they are treated as 2 designs.  The middle design is still just 2 designs that have been filled with a color. And the bottom design I selected both shapes and choose Make Compound path. This has taken and cut the Montana out of the bottom state shape, now they are one design.

Now, let’s look at them on the Send Panel.

They all have the same bold cut lines. All of them will cut the same, the difference is how they look in the software when you are designing.

Now that we know a little more about how the Compound path works, let’s finish the Modify Panel.

7. Make Compound Path – This will take 2 or more designs and combine the paths making them 1 design.

For instance, some files from the Silhouette Design Store will open and you will notice if you fill it will color, that it looks odd. This is a Camera design by Amy Tangerine – Design #181402.

All of these camera designs will cut the same, but how they look on the design screen is affected by choosing Making Compound Path.

8. Release Compound Path – This will take 1 design and releasing it into multiple shapes.

For example, if I wanted to use this Fish Mandala design by Zigi Design Studio but I just want the outline of it, I can choose Release Compound Path.

This will take the design from 1 layer and release all the layers. You may need to Ungroup the Design at this point, it just depends on how the Designer created and saved the file.

Now, you can see all the selection boxes that are highlighted. The Compound Paths have been released and it is now in many layers.

Note: When you do this on such a complex design, it increased the amount of data in that file because each piece is now an individual layer. So keep that in mind when you do this, in case your computer seems sluggish or with a really complex design, you may get a Not Responding message. It’s a lot of date, so be patient.

There are many reasons why you would want to do this and it can be helpful to know how to “break up” a design by releasing the compound paths.

With these tools, you can make the designs you have go farther.

For example, after I released the Compound Path and moved the outline away, then I could add text in the middle of the design, select both and choose Make Compound Path and it would then cut the Montana text out of the center of the fish.

9. Detach Lines – If the image is filled with color, this option will separate the colored parts of the design from the lines of the design. This is a Spring Butterfly Set by Sophie Gallo – Design #56994.

You could use this option when doing a Print and Cut project versus changing the line color on each design.

If you click on the Send tab, you will see that they both have Cut lines on the design, but one is the lines and one is the image with the fill.

Here is the same idea but the Butterflies were filled with a pattern and then detach lines was chosen.

And there you have all the tools in the Modify Panel. Check out Part 1 of the Modify Panel HERE.

Now, the best way to learn is to play, play, play. Go find a design and see what compound paths do!

Share with us what you create with your Silhouette – post photos on my Facebook group at Silhouette Secrets+ with EllyMae.

Enjoy !

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