The Break Apart command normally separates all discrete path loops.

Is there currently a way to pick specific paths to break off while keeping the others combined?

If not, would it be better to make a separate command, or to integrate this into the existing command?

I'm not sure if a specific new feature is needed, although that's just my opinion.

Here's how I handle this situation. After Break Apart, without deselecting anything, switch to Selection tool. Hold Shift, and click on subpaths to deselect those that I need broken out of the compound path. Then Path menu > Combine to recombine the others.

I'm not sure if there could be made a faster or more efficient means to select the subpaths that you want to remove from the compound path, prior to breaking apart. Of course if it could be done, I'd probably be all for it

nayhem wrote:Is there currently a way to pick specific paths to break off while keeping the others combined?

No.

nayhem wrote:If not, would it be better to make a separate command, or to integrate this into the existing command?

Known feature request ( “Break apart only selected subpath(s)”). Patches are welcome ;)

Forgot to mention an extension which covers the special case of separating non-overlapping complex sup-paths into new compound paths - discussed in and attached to this earlier forum topic: “Extension to break apart paths into non-overlapping subpaths”

Breaking out a subpath: Use ctrl-Mouse Wheel to select all the nodes on the subpath, drag subshape off canvas. Select path including subpath, menu: Path, Break Apart. Rubber band select just the parent path with all its subpaths but not the one you dragged off the canvas, menu: Path, Combine. Then realign everything. Tip: As you break out subpaths, group them to make the realignment easier and drag them as a group out of the way before Combining.