CUTTING SOMETHING OUT IN ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for creating and editing vector graphics. One of the most common tasks in Illustrator is cutting out objects from an image or a background. Whether you are designing a logo, creating a composite image, or working on a digital illustration, cutting out objects is a fundamental skill. In this article, we will explore several methods for cutting out objects in Adobe Illustrator.
Using the Pen Tool:
The Pen Tool is a versatile tool in Illustrator that allows you to create precise and custom paths. When cutting out objects, you can use the Pen Tool to create a path around the object you want to cut out. Here’s how to do it:
1. Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar.
2. Click around the object you want to cut out to create a path around it. Be sure to close the path by clicking on the first point.
3. Once you have completed the path, right-click on the canvas and select “Make Selection” to turn the path into a selection.
4. With the selection active, press Ctrl + X (Windows) or Command + X (Mac) to cut out the object from the background.
Using the Shape Builder Tool:
The Shape Builder Tool is another useful way to cut out objects in Illustrator. This method is particularly effective for cutting out simple shapes or geometric objects. Here’s how to use the Shape Builder Tool:
1. Select the Shape Builder Tool from the toolbar.
2. Click and drag across the areas of the object you want to cut out. The Shape Builder Tool will automatically divide the shapes based on your interaction.
3. Once you have divided the object, you can then delete the unwanted parts by selecting them and pressing the Delete key.
Using the Pathfinder Panel:
The Pathfinder panel is a powerful tool for working with shapes and paths in Illustrator. It provides several options for combining, dividing, and cutting out objects. Here’s how to cut out objects using the Pathfinder panel:
1. Select both the object you want to cut out and the shape that represents the area you want to cut out.
2. Open the Pathfinder panel by going to Window > Pathfinder.
3. In the Pathfinder panel, select the “Minus Front” option to cut out the front shape from the back shape.
Using Clipping Masks:
Clipping masks are another way to cut out objects in Illustrator while retaining the original shapes. This method is useful when you want to hide parts of an object without permanently deleting them. Here’s how to create a clipping mask:
1. Place the object you want to cut out on top of the shape that represents the area you want to cut out.
2. Select both objects and go to Object > Clipping Mask > Make.
3. The top object will be clipped to the shape of the object below, effectively cutting out the desired area.
In conclusion, cutting out objects in Adobe Illustrator is a fundamental skill that every designer and illustrator should master. Whether you prefer using the Pen Tool for precise paths, the Shape Builder Tool for simple shapes, the Pathfinder panel for combining shapes, or clipping masks for non-destructive editing, Illustrator provides a range of tools for cutting out objects. By mastering these techniques, you can create clean and professional-looking compositions that make a lasting impact.
