Cut By Line
Cut contours using and interactive line
Written by Jacob Hartman
Updated at August 28th, 2026
Table of Contents
Cut By Line
At a Glance
Draws a straight cutting line across the drawing and slices apart every shape that line crosses, at each crossing point. It works on every shape in the drawing, not just a selected one.
Parameters
No on-screen options panel — it's operated entirely by clicking the two ends of the cutting line.
Overview
Draws a straight cutting line across the drawing and slices apart every shape that line crosses, at each crossing point. It works on every shape in the drawing, not just a selected one.
Using Cut By Line
- Click to place the start point of the cutting line.
- Move the mouse to preview the line, then click again to place the end point — the cut is made immediately. Hold Shift to constrain the line to a standard angle.
Cutting Across Multiple Shapes
Cut By Line uses a temporary straight line as the cutter. Every shape crossed by that line is split at the intersection points; the tool is not limited to a current selection.
Hold Shift while positioning the cut line to constrain it to a standard angle.
Closed shapes are separated into closed pieces on either side of the cut, while open contours are divided into separate open pieces.
Result
Every shape the line passes through is split apart at the crossing points. A closed shape becomes separate closed shapes on either side of the cut; an open line is split into separate pieces.
