Learn how to cut in Illustrator using this simple combination of the line tool and pathfinder tool, and cut away on any object on text on the canvas, as many times as you like.
How to Cut Video Tutorial
Want some help with this tutorial? Use the video tutorial below to follow along with me, one step at a time, and take the tutorial at your own pace.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
If video isn’t for you, use my step-by-step guide with photos to follow along at your own pace.
Step 1 – Select the line tool from the left-hand toolbar.
Step 2 – Draw out a line across the object you intend to cut.
Step 3 – Set the line to have no fill and stroke (bottom left) and add a 1px stroke (window > stroke) so that you can see the line and make adjustments.
Step 4 – Select the line with the direct selection tool (left-hand toolbar) and click and drag the anchor points to change the angle of your cut.
You can also use the selection tool (left-hand toolbar) to change the position of the line.
Step 5 – Repeat this process for any additional cut lines you want to place over an object(s).
Step 6 – Select both lines with the selection tool and turn off the stroke by selecting ‘no stroke’ with the stroke, not fill, color selected (bottom left).
Step 7 – With the lines now strokeless, select the object and all cut lines with the selection tool.
Step 8 – Locate your pathfinder panel by going to window > pathfinder.
Step 9 – With everything still selected, click ‘divide’ in the pathfinder panel.
Step 10 – Select the object and right click > ungroup.
Step 11 – You can now select the individual cut pieces.
Step 12 – The same process applies to text, but before you can go to step 1 right click the text and ‘create outlines’ to change from type to object, then start drawing your cut lines.
Have fun with this super simple trick for cutting objects in Illustrator!
With this simple combination of the line tool and the pathfinder tool, you can cut objects and text on the canvas in any way you see fit. I hope you find this tutorial helpful!