When you want to cut a shape in Illustrator there are several ways to go about it. The tools available will depend on the type of shape you want to cut and what you want to do with the resulting output. In addition, some objects may be cut in more than one way, so you will need to experiment with the various options before making a decision.
The first and most obvious way to do this is to use the Select tool. This will create a selection around a part of your chosen shape. If you are using Windows, you can hold down the Alt key while you do this to draw a straight line. To make it even easier, you can constrain the angle to be horizontal or vertical.
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The Crop tool is another common way to do this. Similar to the select tool, this tool will create a selection around a certain area in your image. You can adjust the size of the selection using handles on the corners.
For more intricate shapes, you may need to use the Pathfinder palette. There are several tools to choose from, including the Knife and the Eraser. Both can be used to cut a shape or a series of shapes. With the Knife, you can cut a shape in a freehand manner, while the Eraser is more of a precision device.
Using the Crop tool will also give you the opportunity to do the same thing with an image you have already inserted into the document. Simply click the toolbar to display the menu, and you will have the option to crop or resize your selected area.
While the Crop tool is the most common way to do this, there are a few other methods to cut a shape in Illustrator. These include the Select, the Scissors, and the Knife. However, you should be careful to choose the correct tool for the job, as they are each capable of producing different results. Choosing the wrong tool can end up cutting your design to shreds, so be careful.
The best way to learn the most effective methods to cut a shape in Illustrator is to practice. By doing this, you will soon be able to identify the right tool for your project. Once you are comfortable with the most effective techniques, you can move on to the more advanced techniques.
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Among the most elusive tasks to complete in Adobe Illustrator are cutting a shape. While there are a number of tools that will help you get the job done, you will still need to follow a few simple steps to accomplish your goals. That said, the most important task to consider is the type of shape you are trying to cut, and then you should be able to do a decent job with the tools available. Some of the more advanced options can take you days or hours to complete.
If you are looking to save money, the best bet is to start by downloading a free trial of the software. From there, you will have access to an entire suite of creative features, including the tools you need to cut a shape in Illustrator.
