Hey everyone, i'm learning to use Inkscape and i can't understand or find any answers to:

When using the COMBINE tool, how to determine if TWO OVERLAPPED paths will either:

1. Disappear where they overlap

OR

2. Merge as one whole path (nothing disappears)

In the image provided, there are 2 compound paths which each are made up of 2 overlapping paths combined using the combine tool. However, the left offsets where they over lap while the right they just merge as one.   

I want to be able to control these outcomes proficiently rather than have them happen at random.

Context: This particularly becomes and issue when i use "Trace Bitmap (Brightness Cut Off)" and then using (break apart) to control specific details to which when i am finished, i use the combine tool to bring everything in as one whole path. This is also an issue when i make 2 circle objects and then converting them both to paths to combine which does not offset like how the inkscape tutorial says it should.

Note: I am aware that there are boolean tools such as union and exclusion for these two outcomes. However when i am combining a design with many overlapping paths, some overlaps "exclusion-ize" and some "union-ize". So i am specifically asking about the combine tool.

I am really enjoying Inkscape however i find it hard to find any answers for specific situations like these and would love some help!

Have a great day everyone and Thank You! !

 

Default fill rule is nonzero. Fill is solid unless a subpath is counterdirectional (fill and stroke panel).

Use the node tool to view/change the path direction (Shift+R). Turn on show path direction in Preferences.

Sir, you are amazing! Thank you! Someone else recently just told me about counter directional paths and such as well! The preferences tip is very useful! Is there a way to pre-organise your paths automatically so that you don't have to re-direct random paths that don't do what theyre supposed to? 

Check out the Fill and Stroke panel for the Fill rules „evenodd“ and „nonzero“.