por When designing an application it is necessary to add different graphic elements that guide the user in the interface, therefore, sometimes it is necessary to combine and create complex shapes. In this post, we will talk to you about what Boolean operations are in graphic design and how they are applied in a design program like Sketch.
Boolean operations in graphic design
Boolean operations (belonging to Boolean algebra or Boolean algebra) in graphic design refer to the process of creating an element from the combination of two or more geometric shapes. These have three main characteristics that determine the form of creation:
Intersection Union Exclusion
Boolean operations in Sketch
In Sketch, the term Boolean operations (from the field of Boolean mathematics ) does not differ from the meaning applied to graphic design, Therefore, it is related to the way in which geometric figures are combined according to the three main characteristics mentioned above.
In this design program we find four options available which refer to Boolean operations in graphic design and which are applied from a higher layer to a lower layer:
Union Subtract Intersection Difference
In the case of the Unionis an option that allows us to add two figures or geometric shapes, while in the subtraction the stroke of a figure that goes above the one in the position below is eliminated. On the other hand, the intersection offers the possibility of preserving the area where the original shapes overlap, while the difference generates an opposite effect.
These four Boolean operations in graphic design that Sketch offers us help us to create more complex figures, such as the design of different icons or vector graphics.
For example, If we add two geometric figures, such as a circle and a rectangle, we have the possibility of combining them to obtain an icon that we need. This is how we can play with the options offered by the different Boolean operations in graphic design.
In the case of the circle and the rectangle, It would be possible to use the join option so that the area of the main figure is added to that found in the layer below. If we use the subtraction operation, we can get the previous process to be reversed, because it would subtract the elements provided by the upper layer to modify the lower layer.
On the other hand, if we choose to create a intersection between both geometric shapes, as one of the Boolean operations in graphic design, the result will be a figure that reflects the meeting point between both layers and eliminates the parts that do not belong to that meeting point. While using the option difference We obtain a figure similar to the one generated by the union process, since the function of this operator is to create a shape where the overlapping parts are discarded and the other strokes are joined.
If you want to know more graphic design tools, We invite you to read our Top 5 most used programs in graphic designwhere we talk to you about five design programs, both paid and free versions, that can be used for web design or application development, among other things.
Where to continue?
Now that you know what Boolean operations are in graphic design, Do you want to learn more about what developing and designing apps entails? To do this, we encourage you to consult our Full Stack Mobile App Development Bootcamp, with which you will learn different guidelines or guides to design in less than a year. In addition, you will be able to apply UI in application design and we will teach you how to master several programs focused on this. Sign up!