Segment Tool

A powerful tool used to clean-up unwanted segments or to quickly construct shapes.

What is a shape?

Conventionally, a shape is a single geometrical object, simple or complex: line, rectangle, oval, etc...but, in a visual sense, a shape can be:

• Several objects of the same color, stacked on top of each other. Though these are separate objects, visually, they look like a single shape to the user.
• The empty area enclosed by intersecting strokes or objects. This is a negative shape.

The Segment tool focuses on the visual relationship of objects. In the next examples, I will demonstrate how you can use the Segment tool to enhance your designs.

Overshoot and cleanup        

Overshoot when sketching, then use the Segment tool to clean up the unwanted segments. This is a great way to keep the thickness of a stroke consistent when joining / intersecting other strokes.

Overlapping        

Notice how the strokes overlap to create the tentacles. You can use the Segment tool to remove intersecting strokes and define the overlapping shapes.

Clip, cut, or cut behind        

• Clip - drag into the top object where it does not overlap the bottom objects. This will clip the top object to those below it.
• Cut - drag into the top object where it overlaps the bottom objects. The top object will cut into those below it.
• Cut behind - tap inside the top object where it overlaps the bottom objects. The bottom objects will cut into the top.

Union intersecting shapes        

You can quickly (artificially) union intersecting shapes by using the Segment tool and clicking on the intersection between the shapes.