Sketch subtract weird result

Question

I have some text that I converted to outlines in sketch. Now I'd like to cut out some circles from the text, so that it looks like somebody has taken a bite out of it.

When I select the circle and the text and click subtract, this creates a very odd result. Am I doing something wrong? As you can see it worked on the letter r, but not on the letter e?

Answer 1

The only way I know how to do this is as follows:

1. After converting the letter to outline, select the letter and hit: Layer / Path / Close Paths

2. Select the counter (inside half circle of the e) and move it on top of the outer part of the letter and fill it with white.

3. Now subtract that circle with the outer part of the letter and you're set.

If anyone knows a quicker/better/easier solution, please let me know.

Answer 2

Sometimes you get odd results, when trying to combine paths. This is because of the paths direction. Every path has a start and an end point. If two paths overlap, that have different path directions sketch might have problems to display them correct.

To fix this, you need to reverse the path direction.

Layers > Paths > Reverse Order

Now try to subtract the paths again.

Look at this article for a more detailed explanation:
Harnessing Vector Awesomeness in Sketch
(Under What I Wish Someone Had Told Me)

Answer 3

You can also do it by moving the outlined paths and changing their combining type as above.