I3 – Cutting and joining paths

Direct Selection Tool

Use the direct selection tool to move one point on a path or in a closed path. To use, select the direct selection tool, click on white space, then click on the anchor point you wish to modify.

Scissors Tool

Use the scissors tool to cut a closed path. Then, use the direct selection tool to move anchor points.

Divide Objects below

Create a path that goes though the object you wish to divide. OBJECT/path/Divide Objects below. Use the selection tool (click white space first) to move parts of the object you just divided.

Knife Tool

Similar to the Divide Objects below command, this tool will allow you to cut a closed path. The knife tool is located under the scissors tool.

Shape Modes

The shape modes are located on the pathfinder pallet (WINDOW/pathfinder) Add to shape area makes two closed paths into one closed path. Select two or more overlapping shapes and click add to shape area.Subtract from shape area uses the front closed path to cut away a portion of the back closed path. Select two or more overlapping shapes and click subtract from shape area. Intersect creates a new shape where the original paths overlap. Select two objects and click the intersect button Exclude makes area where paths overlap transparent. Select two objects and click the exclude button.

note: its fun to use these tools with letters. First, convert the letters to outlines (TYPE/create outlines)

Compound path

Creates an area of transparency in objects. To use: Select two or more overlapping shapes. OBJECT/Compound Path/Make (The top object is now transparent and loses its fill and stroke attributes)

to release: OBJECT/Compound path/release

Blend

Creates a transition between two open paths, two closed paths, two gradients or two blends

Select the two objects: OBJECT/Blend/Blend options – change settings as desired. Then OBJECT/Blend/Make

replace the spine on a blend

select blend and new spine- OBJECT/blend/replace spine


Using a distance in the blend works a lot better than a quantity for making it look like fire works and such!
Page last updated:
09/12/2007 12:37am