I've been trying to use the Intersection function with a more complex set of paths and struggling, so I've created a very simple test in Inkscape that's giving me the same result. When I select my two paths and then use Intersection, they both disappear (and are no longer listed in the layer). I would expect that the diagonal line would remain but be shortened to the maximum dimensions of the ellipse.
Intersection boolean operation works on areas. Even if you set it a fill color, the straight line does not have one, unless you turn its stroke to path (then its stroke will become a fill). The disappering of both path is then a normal behavior.
To achieve your goal, you'd better use the boolean operation cut path : the ellipse must atop.
Not my Mac at hand right now, but can you draw and place 2 overlapping circles, with both selected go Path->Intersection which should give a leave like shape as a result? This Path operation needs shapes and won't work with a single stroke as I guessed from you description. If you want to cut an ellipse into 2 parts for example the single stroke on top needs to be converted with Path->Stroke to Path followed by Path->Difference and can be as thin as you like.
As noted above, the red stroked path must be converted to a closed path by using Stroke to path. The intersection boolean only works with closed paths.
NB: Cut Path will result in two open paths. Path>Fracture (a new boolean) will divide the circle into two closed hemi-circles.
Thank you all for the clarification. I didn't understand the closed-path distinction and now I can figure out a way forward to achieve what I'm shooting for. Thanks!
Beginners' Questions Path > Intersection removes both paths
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I've been trying to use the Intersection function with a more complex set of paths and struggling, so I've created a very simple test in Inkscape that's giving me the same result. When I select my two paths and then use Intersection, they both disappear (and are no longer listed in the layer). I would expect that the diagonal line would remain but be shortened to the maximum dimensions of the ellipse.
More details:
I'd be grateful if anyone has a chance to take a look and see if there's something obvious I'm missing!
Intersection boolean operation works on areas. Even if you set it a fill color, the straight line does not have one, unless you turn its stroke to path (then its stroke will become a fill). The disappering of both path is then a normal behavior.
To achieve your goal, you'd better use the boolean operation cut path : the ellipse must atop.
See manual
Hope this helps
Not my Mac at hand right now, but can you draw and place 2 overlapping circles, with both selected go Path->Intersection which should give a leave like shape as a result? This Path operation needs shapes and won't work with a single stroke as I guessed from you description. If you want to cut an ellipse into 2 parts for example the single stroke on top needs to be converted with Path->Stroke to Path followed by Path->Difference and can be as thin as you like.
As noted above, the red stroked path must be converted to a closed path by using Stroke to path. The intersection boolean only works with closed paths.
NB: Cut Path will result in two open paths. Path>Fracture (a new boolean) will divide the circle into two closed hemi-circles.
Thank you all for the clarification. I didn't understand the closed-path distinction and now I can figure out a way forward to achieve what I'm shooting for. Thanks!