How to Use the Scissors Tool in Illustrator (2026 Guide)

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To use the Scissors tool in Illustrator, press C or pick it from the toolbar, then click a point or segment of a path. The path splits at that spot into two separate paths, which is how you open a closed shape, remove part of a circle or break a line into pieces. This guide uses Adobe Illustrator and covers the steps, the difference from the Knife tool and fixes for common problems.

Quick Steps

1. Select the path with the Selection Tool.
2. Choose the Scissors Tool (C), found under the Eraser tool.
3. Click the point or segment where you want to cut.
4. Move or delete the pieces with the Direct Selection Tool (A).

Using the Scissors Tool in Illustrator: Step by Step

1. Find the tool

The Scissors tool is grouped with the Eraser tool and Knife in the Tools panel. Press C to switch to it. If the shortcut does not respond, check that no text field is active.

2. Click the path

Click an anchor point or a place on a segment. A cut on a closed path opens it into an open path; a cut on an open path makes two. Zoom in for exact placement.

3. Cut again if needed

Cutting a closed shape twice makes two separate pieces, such as the halves of a circle. Each cut needs a click at a different spot.

4. Separate the pieces

Switch to the Direct Selection Tool (A), click one piece and drag or delete it. The ends of the cut are new anchor points you can adjust.

5. Close the gaps

Select the endpoints and press Command+J (Mac) or Ctrl+J (Windows) to join them, or use Object > Path > Join to connect paths.

Tips for Better Results

• Use View > Smart Guides (Command+U) to snap the cut exactly to an anchor point.
• Use the Knife tool, not Scissors, when you want to slice a filled shape with a freehand line.
• Convert strokes to shapes first if you want to cut stroke thickness, using Object > Path > Outline Stroke.
• Copy your path to a spare artboard before cutting so you can undo comfortably.

Common Problems and Fixes

• The tool does nothing: click exactly on the path line or point, and make sure the path is not locked or part of a clipping mask.
• The cut hit a live shape or text: Scissors works on paths; convert shapes with Object > Expand and text with Type > Create Outlines.
• Pieces will not separate: they may still be in a group. Ungroup with Shift+Command+G.

Why This Skill Matters for Design Jobs

Illustrator is named in 44% of the 412 graphic, brand, visual and UI design job posts ArtBlast tracked from March to August 2026 (181 posts), so everyday skills like this one are what employers expect. Browse illustrator jobs, graphic designer jobs and freelance illustrator jobs, and see what the work pays in the illustrator salary guide. Not sure which Adobe app to learn? Read Photoshop vs Illustrator.

Need the software? Try Illustrator on Adobe (free trial available). The single app costs $22.99 a month in the United States on an annual plan billed monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortcut for the Scissors tool in Illustrator?

Press C to select the Scissors tool.

What is the difference between the Scissors tool and the Knife tool?

Scissors cuts a path at one point to split it, while the Knife slices through filled shapes along a line you draw and creates closed pieces.

Can I use the Scissors tool on a shape?

Yes, on its path. Live shapes may need to be expanded first, and a cut opens the shape into an open path.

How do I rejoin a path I cut?

Select both endpoints and press Command+J (Mac) or Ctrl+J (Windows), or use Object > Path > Join.

Sources

Steps were checked against the official guides in November 2026. Menu names can change slightly between versions.

• Adobe Illustrator User Guide
• Adobe plans page, US prices (single app $22.99 a month, annual commitment billed monthly). Adobe shows local prices by country.

Job data: ArtBlast job tracking, March 13 to August 12 2026, distinct posts (one per employer and title) with a full description. Graphic, brand, visual and UI cohort: 412 distinct posts and 364 employers.