SVG Boolean Path Operations
Union, subtract, and intersect operations combine two or more shapes into a new single path based on how their areas overlap.
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How Union, Subtract, and Intersect Differ
Union merges two overlapping shapes into one combined outline covering their total area, subtract removes the area of one shape from another leaving a cutout, and intersect keeps only the area where both shapes overlap, discarding everything else — three distinct ways of combining shapes based on their overlap.
- Union merges overlapping shapes into one combined outline of their total area
- Subtract removes one shape's area from another, leaving a cutout shape
- Intersect keeps only the overlapping area, discarding everything outside it
Boolean Operations Are a Design Tool Feature
These boolean operations are typically performed in a vector design tool like Illustrator, Inkscape, or Figma before export, producing a single flattened path in the resulting SVG rather than existing as a live, editable SVG feature, since SVG itself has no native boolean path operation elements.
- Boolean operations are performed in a design tool before export, not in SVG itself
- The resulting SVG contains one flattened path representing the combined result
- SVG has no native markup elements representing a live boolean operation
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SVG have a native element for boolean path operations?
No, SVG has no native union, subtract, or intersect elements — these operations are performed in a vector design tool and exported as a single flattened path.
Can I undo a boolean operation after exporting to SVG?
Not from the SVG file itself, since the operation flattens the shapes into one combined path — undoing requires reverting to the original design tool file before export.
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