How to Cut Out an Image In Adobe Illustrator

Table of contents

What Does "Cutting Out an Image" Mean?

Cutting out an image means isolating a specific part of an image or removing its background. This is commonly used in graphic design to create transparent images or focus on certain elements.

Tools You’ll Need in Adobe Illustrator

  1. Adobe Illustrator installed on your computer
  2. An image to work with

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Out an Image

Follow these steps to cut out an image in Adobe Illustrator:

1. Open Your Image in Adobe Illustrator
  • Launch Adobe Illustrator and import your desired image.
  • Lock the image layer by clicking the empty space next to the eye icon in the Layers panel.

2. Select the Pen Tool

  • Choose the Pen Tool from the toolbar (hotkey: P).
  • Start creating a path by clicking points around the area you want to cut out.

3. Close the Path

  • To complete the path, connect the last anchor point to the first one.
4. Create a Clipping Mask
  • Select the path you created and the image underneath.
  • Go to the top menu and choose Object > Clipping Mask > Make.

5. Export Your Cut-Out Image

  • To save your cut-out image, export it as a PNG file. This format keeps the background transparent.

Tips for Best Results

  • Zoom In: Use the Zoom Tool (hotkey: Z) for precision while creating the path.
  • Adjust the Path: Use the Direct Selection Tool (hotkey: A) to fine-tune the anchor points.