Layer merge Principle question

[Lanny22034676p8zk]

I have a question about layer merge 

Actually It can be thought Just differnce layer type 

But I wonder why it works like that

First, this layer merge is Basic principle that large layer can embrace small one 

Second, But this is isn't 

I've tried chainging the order of the rectangular but there is no difference 

Just the largest one merge everything unlike the upper example 

Of course, I think it will be the difference of layers type But Do you have any idea of this ?

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Merging Shape Layers just combines the Vector Masks. 

Please post meaningful screenshots that include the Paths Panel and Options Bar with teh subPathItems selected. 

Try setting the various subPathItems’ Path Operations to »Combine Shapes«. 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Sorry, I meant »Exclude Overlapping Shapes« instead of »Combine Shapes«. 

[Stephen Marsh]

Vectors are different to rasters, so different default behaviour. If the shapes were rasterized, then you would be comparing apples to apples and the behaviour would be the same.