Knife Tool in Adobe Illustrator: How to Use It (2026 Guide)

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The Knife tool in Adobe Illustrator slices filled shapes into separate closed pieces along any line you draw. Select the tool from the Eraser group, drag across your shape and the shape splits wherever you cut. This guide uses Adobe Illustrator and covers where the tool lives, straight and freehand cuts and how it differs from the Scissors tool.

Quick Steps

1. Select the filled shape (or leave nothing selected to cut everything under the line).
2. Choose the Knife tool, grouped with the Eraser and Scissors.
3. Drag across the shape, holding Option/Alt for a straight line.
4. Use the Direct Selection Tool to move the pieces apart.

Using the Knife Tool in Illustrator: Step by Step

1. Find the Knife tool

Click and hold the Eraser tool in the Tools panel and pick Knife from the menu. If it is missing, reset the toolbar or open Window > Toolbars > Advanced.

2. Choose what to cut

Select the objects you want to cut. With nothing selected, the Knife cuts every unlocked shape under your line, which can surprise you.

3. Draw the cut

Click and drag across the shape. Freehand lines make curved cuts. Hold Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows) to cut in a straight line, and add Shift to constrain it to 45-degree angles.

4. Separate the pieces

After the cut, each piece is a closed path with the original fill. Use the Direct Selection Tool (A) or Group Selection tool to move or recolor them.

5. Tidy the result

Use Pathfinder, Join or Smooth to clean up paths. Delete leftover bits and save a copy if you may need the original.

Tips for Better Results

• Strokes are not cut, so convert them first with Object > Path > Outline Stroke.
• Use the Knife tool to create stylized slices, shattered glass or split logos.
• Zoom in and use Smart Guides when you need precise cuts.
• For clean geometric cuts, draw a line and use Pathfinder > Divide instead.

Common Problems and Fixes

• The tool cuts too much: select only the shape you want to cut or lock the others.
• It will not cut: the object may be a stroke-only line, text or a locked layer.
• Pieces overlap after cutting: drag them apart with the Direct Selection Tool.

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

Where is the Knife tool in Illustrator?

It is grouped with the Eraser tool and Scissors tool in the Tools panel. Click and hold the Eraser icon to reveal it.

How do I cut in a straight line with the Knife tool?

Hold Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows) while dragging. Add Shift to constrain the cut to 45-degree angles.

Can the Knife tool cut strokes?

No. Convert the stroke with Object > Path > Outline Stroke first.

What is the difference between the Knife and Scissors tools?

The Knife slices filled shapes along a drawn line, and Scissors splits a path at a chosen point.

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.