Cut Tool

The Cut Tool (also known as Scissors) divides paths at specific points, creating open paths or separating closed shapes into segments. Use it to break apart paths for editing or to create gaps in outlines.

Activating the Cut Tool

• Select the Cut Tool from the toolbar
• Or press C while in path edit mode
• The cursor changes to scissors when active

Basic Cutting

1. Select a path to edit
2. Activate the Cut Tool
3. Click anywhere on the path to cut
4. Each click adds a cut point

Cut Modes

• Single Cut - Creates an open path (one cut on closed shape)
• Double Cut - Creates a gap (two cuts on closed shape)
• Segment Cut - Separates into independent paths (select and delete segment)

Cutting Closed Paths

When cutting a closed path like a circle or rectangle:

• First cut opens the path at that point
• Second cut creates two separate paths
• The fill is removed when path becomes open

Cutting Open Paths

When cutting an open path like a line:

• Cut splits the path into two separate paths
• Each resulting path is independent
• Stroke styles are preserved on both segments

Precision Cutting

• Snap to Points - Cuts snap to existing anchor points
• Midpoint Snap - Hold Shift to snap to segment midpoints
• Percentage - Use Properties panel to cut at exact percentages

Advanced Path Slicing (Figma-Style)

Azyrom includes powerful path slicing features that go beyond simple point-based cutting:

Slice with Pen Path

Cut one path with another path for complex slicing operations:

• Draw a cutting line - Use the Pen tool to draw a path across the shape you want to slice
• Automatic intersection detection - System finds all points where paths cross
• Multiple cuts at once - One cutting path can slice through multiple shapes
• Complex angles - Cut at any angle, not just straight lines

Path Intersection Detection

The cut tool automatically detects where paths intersect:

• Crossing points calculated - Finds exact intersection coordinates
• Bezier curve support - Works with curved paths, not just straight segments
• Multiple intersections - Handles paths that cross multiple times
• Precision math - Uses path intersection algorithms for accuracy

Node Insertion at Arbitrary Positions

Add anchor points anywhere along a path segment:

• Click anywhere on segment - Not limited to midpoints or existing anchors
• Percentage-based placement - Insert at any position (e.g., 25%, 75%)
• Bezier handle preservation - Maintains curve smoothness around new point
• Multiple insertions - Add several points in one operation

Path Splitting Utilities

Advanced features for breaking paths apart:

• PathIntersection - Detects crossing points between two paths
• PathSplitter - Divides paths at specified points
• PathSlicer - Cuts paths using another path as a blade
• Visual feedback - See cut points highlighted before confirming

How to Use Advanced Slicing

1. Select the path you want to cut
2. Activate the Cut tool (C)
3. Either:
   • Click on path - Traditional point-based cutting
   • Draw a cutting path - Use Pen tool to create a slicing line
   • Select cutting path - Use existing path as cutting blade
4. System calculates intersection points automatically
5. Path is split at all intersection points
6. Edit resulting path segments independently

Common Use Cases

• Open Shapes - Create semi-circles, partial rectangles
• Path Segments - Extract portions of complex paths
• Dashed Effects - Manually create gaps in strokes
• Shape Editing - Modify imported SVGs
• Icon Design - Create open-ended icon elements

After Cutting

• Use Direct Selection to move resulting endpoints
• Delete segments by selecting and pressing Delete
• Join paths back together with Cmd/Ctrl + J
• Close open paths by connecting endpoints

Tips

• Zoom in for precise cut placement
• Use Undo to revert accidental cuts
• Cut creates new anchor points that can be edited
• Combine with Boolean operations for complex shapes