The random shape I've created has an irregular stroke applied to it via the Irregular Width Profile submenu. If you give the shape a stroke it'll help to demonstrate some of the differences between the tools. These three tools are used to cut or remove parts of an Illustrator element in slightly different ways.įirst, create a simple shape. The little submenu conceals two tools in addition to the Eraser Tool: The Scissors Tool and the Knife, the latter of these being represented by a little serrated blade. For example, included in the Illustrator Tool Bar is an Eraser Tool which has a little submenu arrow: Illustrator How to Cut a Shape Using the Knife ToolĪll the buttons on the tool bar that have a tiny arrow in the bottom right corner (pointing down and to the right) indicate that the button conceals more tools in a submenu, accessible when you hold the button down. However, the five methods explained on this page cut a shape in Illustrator in slightly different ways. As ever, there are lots of different ways to achieve lots of different things in Illustrator, and cutting a shape is one of them. This article has been written using Adobe Illustrator CS6, but the steps are the same no matter what version you're using.

How to cut one shape out of another in Illustrator.

Cutting a shape using the Crop Tool (this deletes unwanted elements outside a specific shape).

Cutting a shape using the Clipping Mask Tool (this masks to a specific shape rather than cuts).

Cutting a shape using the Scissors Tool.And it is super easy to understand and use! Follow along with this blog to learn all about each of the ten different #Pathfinder and #Shape modes available.Ĭheck out our blog to download the Illustrator file for this tutorial, and follow our Instagram for more helpful tips & tricks! Find it here: īe sure to check out our complete 2021 Social Media Size Guide! Available for multiple platforms, as well as a FREE PDF to help you get on track for the new year.Illustrator How to Cut a Shape This article covers in Adobe Illustrator how to cut a shape using one of five methods: The pathfinder tool is easily one of the most used in any graphic designer’s arsenal. If you’re learning how to maneuver around Adobe Illustrator, this guide will help you tremendously.

Pathfinder tool adobe illustrator