CorelDRAW Help | Split objects

Split objects

You can split vector objects, text, and bitmaps. You can split single objects or groups of objects along straight, freehand, or Bézier lines.

(From top to bottom) Three modes for splitting objects are available: Bézier, 2-Point Line, and Freehand.

In addition, you can create a gap between the new objects resulting from the splitting action, or you can make the new objects overlap.

This bitmap was split into two along a freehand line. The gap value was specified before cutting the bitmap.

When you split an object by using the Knife tool , CorelDRAW lets you choose whether to convert outlines to curve objects or keep them as outlines. By default, the application automatically chooses the option that best preserves outline appearance.

When splitting objects that have dashed lines, arrowheads or end caps, the Convert to objects option preserves the outline appearance better. When you choose the Automatic option for such objects, CorelDRAW converts the outlines to objects.

Top: The outline (a dashed line with arrowheads in this example) was converted to objects after the split, preserving the original appearance. Bottom: The Keep outlines option was used, resulting in two lines with start and end arrowheads.

To split an object

1 In the toolbox, click the Knife tool

2 On the property bar, click one of the following buttons:

• 2-point line mode

— to split the object along a straight line. To constrain the line by 15-degree increments, hold down Shift + Ctrl.

• Freehand mode

— to split the object along a freehand line

3 Drag across the object or group of objects that you want to split.

You can also
Split an object along a Bézier line	Click the Bézier mode button on the property bar. Click where you want to start cutting an object, drag the control handle to where you want to position the next node, and click. Continue clicking to add more straight segments to the line. To add a curved segment, point to where you want to place the node and drag to shape the curve. To constrain the line by 15-degree increments, hold down Shift + Ctrl.
Create a gap or an overlap between the new objects	On the property bar, choose Gap or Overlap from the Cut span list box. Type a value in the Width box.
Choose outline options	On the property bar, choose an option from the Outline options list box.
Switch from one mode to another	Click the Knife tool, and press A. The cursor changes to show the currently selected mode — 2-point line, Freehand, or Bézier. Note: You cannot switch modes while dragging with the Knife tool.

When you split an object by using the Knife tool, the new objects become curve objects.