Combine or break apart shapes in Pages for iCloud
You can create a new shape by combining one shape with another shape. For example, if you want to create a shape that looks like a heart, you can use three shapes—a diamond and two circles—and unite them into a single shape. You can also subtract shapes from other shapes, or remove the overlapping area between two shapes.
You can also divide many compound shapes—shapes with multiple parts—into individual components to create new shapes. Examples of compound shapes are a sneaker (its upper and sole), a lotus (its petals), and a truck (its wheels, its cab, and so on). In the shapes library, there’s no indication that a shape is compound, but most compound shapes have complex forms.
When you break a shape into its parts, you can edit each part as you would any other shape. You can use them as new shapes on their own, rearrange them into new shapes, and delete the ones you don’t want.
Note: If your document contains an SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic) image that you imported using Pages for Mac, Pages for iPhone, or Pages for iPad, you can’t break it apart in Pages for iCloud. To break it apart, open the document in Pages for Mac, Pages for iPhone, or Pages for iPad. For instructions, see the Pages for Mac User Guide, the Pages for iPhone User Guide, or the Pages for iPad User Guide.
Combine shapes to create a new shape
Go to Pages for iCloud
, then sign in to your Apple Account (if necessary).In your document, hold down the Shift key while you click two or more shapes that are touching or overlapping.
At the top of the Format
sidebar on the right, click the Arrange tab.If you’re working in a word-processing document, make sure Stay on Page is selected at the top of the sidebar.
Click an arrangement button (near the bottom of the sidebar):
Unite: Combines the selected shapes into a single shape.
Intersect: Creates a shape from the overlapping area.
Subtract: Removes the shape that’s layered on top of another shape. If necessary, move the shape you want to be removed to the top of the stack. To learn more about how to layer objects, see Layer, group, and lock objects.
Exclude: Creates a shape that excludes the overlapping area between the shapes.
Break apart a compound shape
Go to Pages for iCloud
, then sign in to your Apple Account (if necessary).In your document, hold down the Control key, click a compound shape, then choose Break Apart from the pop-up menu that appears.
Blue selection handles appear on the parts of the shape that can be edited.
If nothing happens when you choose Break Apart, the shape you selected can’t be broken apart in Pages for iCloud.