How to Cut, Divide and Trim Objects in Illustrator

Today, we'll show you how to cut, divide, and trim objects in Illustrator. You can cut, divide, and trim objects to create new objects. For example, you can easily create a moon with two overlapping circles.

We will use basic shapes in this tutorial to clearly show how to cut, divide, and trim, but if you are using downloaded images, make sure you unzip the file beforehand.

Step 1 - Draw and Move Shapes

Draw a Circle Using the Ellipse Tool

Select the Ellipse Tool (L) from the left toolbar. Click + drag on the artboard to create an oval or hold Shift while dragging to make a circle.

Then deselect the circle by selecting the Selection Tool (V) and clicking outside the circle, or simply by pressing Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + A.

Draw a Square Using the Rectangle Tool

Select the Rectangle Tool (M), and pick a different Fill color in the top toolbar. Click + drag to create a rectangle or hold Shift while dragging to make a square.

Overlap/Intersect Shapes if Needed

When using the Divide and Trim function, your shapes must be overlapping/intersecting.

Click the Selection Tool (V) or the Direct Selection Tool (A), click + drag the square, and place it partially on top of the circle.

Step 2 - Open Pathfinder Panel

Go to Window > Pathfinder to open the Pathfinder panel.

Step 3 - Use Divide and Trim Functions

Divide Function

Divide will cut the shapes into multiple pieces where the intersecting lines are.

Select both shapes with the Selection Tool (V), then click on the first icon under “Pathfinders” at the bottom of the Pathfinder panel. The first icon is the Divide function.

With the shapes still selected, right-click and choose Ungroup (Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + G). Now you can individually move the pieces.

Trim Function

Trim will cut the top shape out of the bottom shape.

Again, select both objects. Click the second icon below “Pathfinders” in the Pathfinder panel. The second icon is the Trim function.

With the shapes still selected, right-click and choose Ungroup (Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + G) to freely move the separate pieces.

In the following image, you can see that the square was cut out of the circle.

Step 4 - Cut Object Using the Knife

Select the Knife toolfrom the left toolbar.

Note: if you don’t see the Knife, right-click on the Eraser Tool to open the dropdown menu, then choose the Knife.

With the Knife tool, draw a line where you would like to cut your object. To draw a straight line, hold down Alt before drawing the line, and then hold down Shift to constrain it to a vertical, horizontal, or 45° angle.

Cut Object Into Multiple Pieces

To cut an object into multiple pieces, make sure you cut all the way from one edge of the object to another edge. The line must go over both edges of your object.

When you have finished drawing your line with the Knife, Ungroup (Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + G) the pieces to move each one individually.

Cut Into Objects

You can use the Knife to cut into objects without completely cutting off a whole piece. Doing so will add paths to the object. Using the Direct Selection Tool (A), you can move the anchor points to see that a new path has been added. See the following image for a better understanding. We cut into the red circle, but not all the way through.

Now you know how to cut, divide, and trim objects! For more information on the other Pathfinder functions, take a look at our guide on using the Pathfinder tool in Illustrator.