How to Cut One Shape Out of Another in Illustrator

When developing graphics in Adobe Illustrator CC, we might become stopped at a certain point and cannot proceed any further. Similarly, cutting one shape out of another is considered to be a tough operation; nevertheless, in this lesson, we will demonstrate a quick and simple method for cutting one shape out of another. We are going to use simple and easy tools to cut shapes.

In this tutorial, only two tools are used to cut out shapes from another shape that are line segment tool and the shape builder tool.

Follow all of the steps outlined below to create an outstanding shape that meets your specifications.

Begin by creating a circle on your canvas using the Ellipse tool or by using the L key on your keyboard.

Draw a circle by holding down the shift key and dragging it to create a beautiful circular circle.

Now, continue by selecting the line segment tool.

By using the shift key and dragging, you may draw a straight line.

Increase the line’s stroke by 2pt to ensure that the line is visible.

Bring the line to the center of the circle.

Select both objects by using the selection tool.

(Keep in mind that you should pick the color before proceeding, or your circle’s color may change to the other color you have selected.)

Select the shape builder tool or press Shift+M.

Now, click on both sides of the circle to complete the process.

Now, using the selection tool, make sure that no objects are chosen on your canvas by clicking on them (V)

Drag the item by clicking on one of its sides and dragging it a little. Now you can see that one side of a circle got separate.

Drag the other side.

You can see a different shape now. A half-circle is cut out of a complete circle.