In Adobe Illustrator, users can use the Scissor tool, which is a fundamental feature that empowers designers to create, modify, and refine vector artwork with precision.
My name is Kerry and I’m a designer and artist who loves to try out different programs to find the best ones for both beginners and experts! Adobe Illustrator, a powerful vector-based software, offers a range of tools and techniques to achieve elevated projects.
In this article, we will explore the functionality and applications of the Scissor tool in Adobe Illustrator, and why designers should familiarize themselves with its usage. It is extremely helpful to become well-versed using this tool and luckily is pretty easy to learn.
Are you ready to learn how to use this new feature?
Let’s dive in!
Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Scissor tool can be found in the main toolbar on the left side of the platform and is used to split and cut shapes and objects in a project.
- Using the scissor tool allows you to cut paths quickly so that you can edit and continue to design.
Understanding the Scissor Tool in Adobe Illustrator
The Scissor tool in Adobe Illustrator is used to cut paths between anchor points to create separate shapes or alter existing ones.
Further applications of the Scissor tool include:
Modifying Shapes: The Scissor tool allows designers to alter the shape of existing objects. By cutting paths at specific points, segments can be moved, adjusted, or deleted to create entirely new shapes or refine existing ones.
Creating Open Paths: The tool is especially useful for creating open paths from closed shapes. By cutting a path at specific anchor points, designers can remove sections, leaving open paths that can be customized further.
Working with Compound Paths: Compound paths consist of multiple shapes combined into a single object. The Scissor tool allows designers to cut through the different components, enabling independent editing and customization of each element.
Precise Editing: When designers need to modify specific parts of an object, the Scissor tool provides a granular level of control. By cutting paths, designers can isolate and refine individual sections without affecting the rest of the artwork.
How to Use the Scissor Tool in Adobe Illustrator
Follow these steps to learn how to use the Scissor tool in Adobe Illustrator:
Step 1: The first step is to open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document or open an existing one that you want to work on. (You can see that I’m just playing around with some basic shapes and gradients for this tutorial.)
Step 2:Choose the Scissors tool from the main toolbar or use the keyboard shortcut C to activate it.
Step 3: Once you have activated the tool, click on the path you want to cut at the desired anchor point. Illustrator will automatically split the path into two separate segments in your project.
Step 4: To cut paths at additional anchor points, simply click on them with the Scissor tool. Illustrator will continue to divide the path, creating separate segments.
Step 5: Once the desired cuts are made, you can manipulate the resulting segments individually using Illustrator’s other editing tools.
Once you’re satisfied with the background removal, you can export the image in the desired format.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a logo designer, digital artist, or graphic designer, mastering background removal in Adobe Illustrator is a valuable asset that can take your work to new heights. With practice and experimentation, designers can unlock endless possibilities and create stunning visuals that captivate audiences.
If you have used Image Trace before in Adobe Illustrator, we would love to hear from you. And if not, please comment down below with any questions that you might still have about this topic!
