How to Crop in Illustrator CC
Adobe Illustrator CC is a powerful tool for creating vector graphics, and one common task is cropping images and graphics. Cropping in Illustrator allows you to remove unwanted parts of an image or artwork, and refine the composition of your designs. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods of cropping in Illustrator CC.
Using the Crop Tool
One of the most straightforward ways to crop in Illustrator CC is by using the Crop Tool. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open your Illustrator file and select the image or artwork you want to crop.
2. Navigate to the toolbar on the left and select the “Crop” tool, which is located under the “Rectangular Marquee” tool.
3. Click and drag to create a cropping area around the part of the image you want to keep.
4. Release the mouse button to apply the crop. The parts of the image outside the cropping area will be removed.
Using the Clipping Mask
Another method to crop in Illustrator CC is by using the Clipping Mask feature. Follow these steps to use a Clipping Mask for cropping:
1. Select the image or artwork you want to crop.
2. Go to the “Object” menu and choose “Clipping Mask” > “Make”.
3. A bounding box will appear around your selection. Now, create a shape (such as a rectangle) that represents the area you want to keep. Place this shape on top of the image.
4. With both the shape and image selected, go to the “Object” menu and choose “Clipping Mask” > “Make” again.
Using the Pathfinder Panel
The Pathfinder panel in Illustrator CC can also be used for cropping. Here’s how:
1. Select the image or artwork you want to crop.
2. Create a shape (such as a rectangle) that represents the area you want to keep. Place this shape on top of the image.
3. Select both the shape and the image.
4. Open the Pathfinder panel by going to the “Window” menu and selecting “Pathfinder”. Then, click on the “Crop” button in the panel.
Final Tips
When cropping in Illustrator, it’s important to ensure that the original image or artwork is grouped or placed inside a compound path. This will prevent unintentional alterations to the aspects of the design that you want to retain.
Furthermore, remember that cropping in Illustrator is non-destructive, meaning you can always go back and adjust the cropped area as needed.
In conclusion, cropping in Illustrator CC can be achieved through various methods, including the Crop Tool, Clipping Mask, and Pathfinder panel. Each method offers flexibility and control over the cropping process, allowing you to achieve the desired composition in your designs. With these techniques at your disposal, you can effectively crop images and artwork in Illustrator to enhance your creative projects.
