Join

Use this action to combine a group of graphics in a manner that merges the individual Bezier paths and curves into a single Bezier path.

Two or more graphics must be selected for this menu selection to apply. All selected graphics must have a defined Bezier Path. This requirement means that text graphics cannot be included in a Join group.

This method of grouping is useful for advanced fill technique using Winding Rules found on the Color and Style palette. The example to the left creates the annular arrow within the arrows by Joining the arrows and using "Even Odd" for the winding rule.

The combining order for the Joined paths is the painting order, top most first. This gives explicit control over the sequencing of the merged path. Attention needs to given to order and start - end of each of the paths in order to understand effects that may be generated. You may need to modify the painting order (move forward, back) and reverse path direction to attain the desired filling effects.

EazyDraw provides a similar grouping action called a Weld group. This action makes some automatic decisions on the ordering of the merged paths. Welding arranges the paths end-to-end and coordinates the directions of the paths to provide a more continuous circuit. You may want to use this method for as an alternative to Join.

EazyDraw provides an alternative to these grouping actions for merging paths. This is the Welded Path conversion action found on the Convert Menu on the tools main menu. The welded conversion can be more convenient in some cases, it generates a new Bezier curve from the several curves. Similar to Join or Weld, but the combined single path may be easier to work with than a Group graphic.