split a path with another path in inkscape

Question

Let's say I have a rectangle path and want to split it into two trapezia with another path, let's say with a straight line. How can I do this with path operations in Inkscape?

Answer 1

Here are a couple of ways you could do it:

Draw a closed shape such as a rectangle, with a stroke set if you want, and above that draw a path with a stroke - it can be a straight line, or curved.

• Select the top path, then Object > Stroke to Path
• Select both shape and the now outlined "stroke"
• Path > Difference

Another simpler method is to draw a closed shape and a single stroke. Again this can be a straight or curved line, open path is also fine. Select both, then Path > Division