The Simple Process: Joining Curves Step-by-Step

To join multiple curves in Affinity Designer, you use the Node Tool to select the endpoints you wish to connect and then apply the "Join Curves" action.

Joining curves allows you to connect separate vector paths or segments into a single, continuous shape. This is crucial for creating complex illustrations or ensuring smooth transitions between different parts of your design.

Steps to Join Curves

Based on the standard workflow and the provided reference, here's how you join curves:

1. Activate the Node Tool: From the Tools panel on the left, select the Node Tool (its icon looks like a pointer with nodes, and its keyboard shortcut is A).
2. Select Nodes to Join: With the Node Tool active, click directly on the end node of the first curve you want to connect. Then, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click on the end node of the second curve you wish to join it to. Continue holding Shift and clicking if you need to select end nodes from more curves.
   • Note: The reference mentions "select both curves," but you must select the specific end nodes on those curves that you intend to connect for the join action to work.
3. Click "Join Curves": Once you have selected the relevant end nodes across the curves, look at the Context Toolbar. This is the bar located typically at the top of the workspace, which changes based on the active tool. With the Node Tool active and multiple nodes selected, you will see various options. Click the "Join Curves" button on this toolbar.

Affinity Designer will then connect the selected end nodes, merging the separate curves into a single, unified curve object.

This process directly utilizes the steps mentioned in the reference: using the Node Tool, holding down a key (interpreted as Shift for multi-selection), selecting the points on the curves to join, and clicking the Join Curves option found on the context toolbar.

Essential Tools Explained

Understanding the primary tools involved makes the process smoother.

The Node Tool (A)

This is your go-to tool for editing the fundamental structure of vector paths. It allows you to see and manipulate the individual nodes (points) and handles (controls for curve segments) that define a shape or line. You must use this tool to select the specific points you want to join.

The Context Toolbar

This dynamic bar is invaluable in Affinity Designer. It provides options relevant to the currently active tool or selected object(s). When you select the Node Tool and highlight specific nodes, the Context Toolbar presents options like adding/deleting nodes, changing node types, aligning nodes, and, importantly, Join Curves.

Important Considerations for Joining Curves

Keep the following tips in mind for best results when joining curves:

• Open Curves: The "Join Curves" function is designed to work on open curves – paths that have a defined start and end point. You cannot "join" closed shapes using this method in the same way.
• Node Proximity: For a clean join, it's often helpful (though not strictly necessary) to position the end nodes you intend to join close to each other before applying the function. If the nodes are far apart, Affinity Designer will simply draw a straight segment between them.
• Multiple Joins at Once: You can select multiple pairs of end nodes (e.g., joining curve A to B, and curve C to D simultaneously) and click "Join Curves" once to perform all selected joins at the same time.

Here is a quick overview:

Step	Action	Tool/Key
1. Activate Tool	Select the curve editing tool	Node Tool (A)
2. Select Points	Click on endpoints of curves to join, holding Shift for multiples	Node Tool, Shift
3. Execute Join	Click the command	Context Toolbar

By following these steps using the Node Tool and the Context Toolbar, you can efficiently join multiple open curves in your Affinity Designer projects.