Changing Object's Shape

Erase a Part of an Object

The Eraser tool can remove a part of an object. This tool also works with groups and compound groups.

To activate the Eraser tool, click on the Eraser icon in the Tools panel.

In order to erase a portion of an object, select this object. Then paint with the tool over the object's part that you want to remove.

If the original object has a closed path, the tool will keep it closed. So, the result will be one or several closed paths.

Removing a part of an object with the Eraser tool. — The Eraser tool was dragged over the path.

Splitting an object into parts with the Eraser tool. — The Eraser tool was dragged across the rectangle.

In order to move the Eraser tool along a straight line, use the Option key. Press it before dragging the tool. In order to snap the line to 45, 90 degrees and so on, hold down the Option and Shift keys.

The Eraser tool has a round shape with a customizable width (diameter). When the diameter is zero, the Eraser tool does exactly the same as the Knife tool. To change the diameter, use these keys: [ to decrease, and ] to increase.

Modifier Keys and Shortcut Summary

Shortcut:

E activates the Eraser tool.

Eraser tool modifier keys:

Space switches to the Pan mode.
Command switches to either Move or Selection tool depending on which of them was active most recently.
Option lets you erase along a straight line.
Option-Shift allows you to erase along a straight line directed at 45 and 90 degrees.
[ decrements the diameter of the Eraser tool.
] increments the diameter of the Eraser tool.