“Ultimate Guide: How to Cut Out an Image in Illustrator Like a Pro”

By | August 19, 2024

How To Cut Out An Image In Illustrator.

If you’re looking to cut out an image in Illustrator, you’ve come to the right place! Illustrator is a powerful tool that allows you to create and edit images with precision and ease. Whether you’re a graphic designer, illustrator, or just someone who wants to enhance their photos, knowing how to cut out an image in Illustrator is a valuable skill to have.

To get started, open your image in Illustrator and select the image you want to cut out. Next, click on the “Image Trace” button in the top menu bar to convert your image into a vector shape. This will make it easier to work with and edit.

Once you’ve traced your image, select the “Pen Tool” from the toolbar on the left side of the screen. This tool allows you to create precise and detailed paths around the image you want to cut out. Simply click and drag to create anchor points and adjust the curves of your path.

As you work your way around the image, make sure to zoom in and out to ensure that your path is accurate and follows the contours of the image. Once you’ve completed your path, click on the “Selection Tool” and right-click on the path. Select “Make Selection” from the dropdown menu to turn your path into a selection.

With your selection active, press “Ctrl + X” on your keyboard to cut out the image from the background. You can now paste your cut-out image onto a new layer or document to further edit or manipulate it.

Another method to cut out an image in Illustrator is by using the “Magic Wand Tool.” This tool allows you to select and delete specific areas of your image based on color or tone. Simply click on the areas you want to remove, and press the “Delete” key on your keyboard to cut them out.

If you’re looking for a more automated approach, you can also use the “Clipping Mask” feature in Illustrator. This feature allows you to create a mask that hides parts of your image, effectively cutting them out. Simply create a shape or path that covers the areas you want to keep, select both the shape and the image, and go to “Object” > “Clipping Mask” > “Make” to apply the mask.

Overall, cutting out an image in Illustrator is a straightforward process that can be done in a variety of ways depending on your preferences and the complexity of the image. With a little practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to master this skill and create stunning images that stand out.

In conclusion, learning how to cut out an image in Illustrator is a valuable skill for anyone who wants to enhance their photos or create captivating designs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, knowing how to cut out an image in Illustrator will open up a world of possibilities for your creative projects. So, why wait? Dive in and start cutting out images like a pro today!

If you’re looking to learn how to cut out an image in Illustrator, you’ve come to the right place. Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for graphic designers, allowing them to create stunning vector graphics with ease. Cutting out images is a common task in graphic design, whether you’re creating a logo, designing a poster, or working on a website. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of cutting out an image in Illustrator step by step.

What is Adobe Illustrator?

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor developed and marketed by Adobe Inc. It is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of design software, which also includes Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects. Illustrator is used by graphic designers, artists, and illustrators to create vector-based artwork for print, web, video, and mobile devices.

How to Open an Image in Illustrator

Before you can cut out an image in Illustrator, you’ll need to open the image file in the program. To do this, go to File > Open and select the image file you want to work with. The image will open in a new document in Illustrator, ready for you to start editing.

How to Use the Pen Tool to Cut Out an Image

The Pen Tool is one of the most powerful tools in Illustrator, allowing you to create precise shapes and paths. To cut out an image using the Pen Tool, follow these steps:
1. Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar.
2. Click and drag to create a path around the part of the image you want to cut out.
3. Once you have created a closed path, right-click and select Make Selection.
4. Press Ctrl + X (Windows) or Command + X (Mac) to cut out the selected part of the image.

How to Use the Pathfinder Tool to Cut Out an Image

The Pathfinder Tool in Illustrator allows you to combine and manipulate shapes in various ways. To cut out an image using the Pathfinder Tool, follow these steps:
1. Select the image and the shape you want to use to cut it out.
2. Go to Window > Pathfinder to open the Pathfinder panel.
3. Click on the Minus Front button in the Pathfinder panel to cut out the shape from the image.

How to Use Clipping Masks to Cut Out an Image

Clipping Masks in Illustrator allow you to hide parts of an image or artwork, revealing only the areas inside the mask. To cut out an image using a Clipping Mask, follow these steps:
1. Create a shape that you want to use as a mask.
2. Place the shape on top of the image you want to cut out.
3. Select both the shape and the image.
4. Right-click and select Make Clipping Mask.

How to Save Your Cut-Out Image in Illustrator

Once you have successfully cut out an image in Illustrator, you’ll need to save your work. To do this, go to File > Save As and choose a file format for your image, such as JPEG, PNG, or PDF. Give your file a name and select a location to save it on your computer.

In conclusion, cutting out an image in Illustrator can be a simple process once you know the right tools and techniques to use. Whether you prefer using the Pen Tool, Pathfinder Tool, or Clipping Masks, Illustrator offers a variety of options for cutting out images with precision and accuracy. So next time you need to cut out an image for your design project, remember these tips and tricks to make the process easier and more efficient.

Sources:
– Adobe Illustrator: https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html
– Pen Tool Tutorial: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/how-to/pen-tool-basics.html
– Pathfinder Tool Overview: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/combining-objects.html
– Clipping Masks Tutorial: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/how-to/clipping-mask.html