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Layer Boolean Operations

Performs boolean operations between two layers, producing result geometry on a third layer.

When to Use

  • To compute the intersection, union, difference, or XOR of geometry on different layers
  • For design rule checks (e.g., find overlapping regions between metal and via layers)
  • To create derived layers from existing layout data

Operations

OperationDescriptionResult
OR (Union)Combine geometry from both layersA ∪ B
AND (Intersection)Keep only overlapping regionsA ∩ B
Subtract (A − B)Remove layer B geometry from layer AA \ B
XORKeep non-overlapping regions from both layersA △ B

Options

OptionDescriptionDefault
Layer AFirst input layer
Layer BSecond input layer
Result layerOutput layer for the resultNew layer
OperationOR, AND, Subtract, XOROR

Technical Notes

  • Input layers are not modified — the result is placed on a separate layer
  • The operation is performed on all geometry within each layer
  • Complex polygons with many vertices may require significant processing time
  • Use Merge Overlapping first to simplify input geometry