Question: I am teaching myself the very basics of design using [Affinity Designer](https://affinity.serif.com/) - and I haven't been able to figure out how to create a single shape from multiple vectors. 

For instance, if I am creating a basic outline of a car and need to start and stop lines - when I use the `join lines tool` it doesn't join two unrelated lines together - rather it completes the "circle" (path) of one line only. 

If I use the `join shapes tool` it completes all the unconnected lines, and fills in those spaces too - so I lose the shape I am after. 

AD's help index is not very helpful to someone with my near non-existent skills - so I'd be thrilled if someone on this forum can help.

Answer: 
You can indeed join two separate nodes from unrelated vector lines.

Do this by :

1. Select both lines using the Move Tool.
2. Using the Node Tool select both end nodes you want to join (hold down Shift to select them both).
3. Choose 'Join Curves' from the Action section of the Node context toolbar.
Just to clarify a bit, I think you mean this: Say you had a line with 3 nodes, a,b, and c, with a and c being the endpoint of the nodes. You wish to attach another another line with two nodes d and e. You wish to connect the nodes b and e.

As of right now, I can't seem to find functionality of the program where it attaches two unrelated lines that AREN'T endpoints of each line.

I think the Pen module Affinity designed assumes you are always wanting to produce an endpoint to endpoint shape. But unfortunately, when creating lambda shapes, asterisks, x's, f's, $'s, etc. you're going to run into some issues. I would love to see the ability of the pen to create complex shapes that are much less dependent on endpoint snapping.