Cutting and joining shape segments
You may want to open a shape so that you can add new curves or connect to another open shape. You can do this with the Scissors tool. You can also connect any two endpoints — of the same shape or of different shapes. This lets you close an open shape or attach one shape to another.
To cut a shape
1
Choose the
Scissors tool
from the toolbox.
2
Click where you want to split the shape (you cannot click an endpoint).
The hot spot of the
Scissors tool is where the blades cross. Position the cross on the line.
The scissors snap closed momentarily, and two new anchor points are created.
The Scissors tool opens and closes to cut the path.
3
Choose the
Shape Selection tool
on the property bar, and drag the new anchor points or segments.
The new anchor points are on top of each other, and both are selected. If you try to drag one of the new anchor points with the
Shape Selection tool and both move, deselect them, then drag one point away.
After a path is cut, it can be moved.
To join endpoints
1
Choose the
Shape Selection tool
from the toolbox.
2
Select the two anchor points you want to join.
You can do this either by marquee selecting both points, or by clicking the first point and then holding down
Shift and clicking the second point.
3
On the property bar, click the
Edit flyout button
, and choose
Join Endpoints .
A straight line is created between the two points.
Use the Shape Selection tool to select two endpoints.
Use the Join Endpoints command to connect two endpoints.