Combining objects

A combined object consists of two or more overlapping objects merged into a single image object. The Combine commands enable you to create objects that have transparent interior spaces where the original objects overlapped (for example, a window frame or a donut shape). This method lets you create objects more complex than you could easily create using the drawing tools. Some combinations, such as combining geometric objects with each other, will result in path objects that cannot be uncombined.

A combined object has these properties:

• The objects created by the Unite, Minus Front, Intersect, and Exclude commands have the same style attributes as the bottommost object being combined.
• If a text object is part of the combined object, the text can still be edited. If more than one text object is part of the combined object, only the topmost text object can be edited.
• You can uncombine objects in a LiveMotion file at any time, even after the file has been closed and reopened. The separate objects retain their separate style attributes.

To create a combined object:

1. Make sure the objects you want to see through are in front of the background object in the stacking order.
2. Select all the objects you want to include in the combined object.
3. Choose Object > Combine.
4. Choose one of the following Combine commands:

Unite

Creates a single image object from two or more objects, retaining the style of the backmost object. It traces the outline of all the selected objects as if they were a single, merged object.

Unite with Color

Creates a single image object from two or more objects, retaining the styles of the separate objects. It traces the outline of all the selected objects as if they were a single, merged object.

Minus Front

Creates a single image object by subtracting the frontmost objects from the backmost object. You can use this command to delete areas of the objects by adjusting the stacking order.

Intersect

Creates a single image object from the common area shared by the selected objects. It traces the outline of all the overlapping shapes in the selected objects, ignoring any nonoverlapping areas.

Exclude

Creates a single image object by knocking out the area where one shape overlaps another. It traces all nonoverlapping areas of the selected objects, making overlapping areas transparent. In the areas where an even number of objects overlap, the overlap is made transparent. If an odd number of objects overlap, the overlap is filled.


Combine options A. Original B. Unite C. Unite with Color D. Minus Front E. Intersect F. Exclude

To uncombine a combined object:

1. Select the combined object.
2. Choose Object > Uncombine.