How-to

Vector Ink Erase, Knife, Scissor & Remove Tools: Cut, Trim, and Clean Up Like a Pro

Introduction

Vector cleanup doesn’t have to be tedious. With Vector Ink’s Erase, Knife, Scissor, and Remove tools, you can carve, split, and tidy paths in minutes. This guide shows how each tool behaves with single paths, compound paths, and groups, plus quick tips for smooth, precise edits.

Tool Overview at a Glance

  • Erase Tool — Freehand erase portions of a path or compound path. Great for carving organic gaps or cutting holes. Does not erase inside a group; ungroup first or target the path directly.
  • Scissor Tool — Draw a custom cut line to split paths open wherever it intersects. Perfect for non-straight trims.
  • Knife Tool — Like Scissor, but cuts with a straight line that snaps every 45°. Ideal for clean geometric slices.
  • Remove Tool — Delete objects in context (paths inside groups, images, whole groups). Think of it as a precision trash can.

Freehand Carving with the Erase Tool

Select the Erase tool (under the Draw tool) and drag across a path to remove geometry along your stroke. For compound paths, it removes only the intersected segments. For groups, the Erase tool won’t affect members—either ungroup or select the specific path.

Size control: Open the Erase properties in the control bar and increase the brush size (e.g., 24) for broader cuts, or reduce it for delicate cleanup.

Use it when… you need organic trims, irregular holes, or to quickly knock out overlapping bits without worrying about exact endpoints.

Custom Path Splits with the Scissor Tool

The Scissor tool cuts wherever your drawn line intersects the target path(s), leaving open endpoints. After cutting, use Path Properties → Close Path if you need to reconnect ends for a continuous stroke/fill.

Use it when… you want a freeform split line that follows curves or avoids objects while keeping manual control over the cut route.

Clean, Straight Slices with the Knife Tool

The Knife tool works like Scissor but enforces a straight cut that snaps in 45° increments. This keeps your trims tidy and repeatable across multiple objects.

Use it when… you need precise, aligned slices (logos, badges, UI elements) and want consistent angles or grid-friendly edits.

Context-Aware Deletions with the Remove Tool

Remove lets you delete objects in context: individual paths inside a group, images, or entire groups—without first switching back to Selection. It’s perfect for rapid cleanup passes: click, remove, click, remove.

Use it when… you’re pruning stray paths, unwanted icons, or extra shapes after Boolean operations or AI generations.

Which Tool Should I Use?

  • Erase for organic carve-outs and hole punching.
  • Scissor for custom, non-straight splits that follow your hand.
  • Knife for crisp straight cuts with snapping (45° increments).
  • Remove for quick deletions inside groups or to clear clutter fast.

Pro Workflow Tips

  • Ungroup before surgical edits: If the Erase tool seems ineffective, the object may be grouped. Ungroup or isolate the target path.
  • Duplicate before destructive steps: Keep a backup layer or a hidden copy so you can revert quickly.
  • Close paths when needed: After Scissor/Knife cuts, open endpoints can affect fills. Use Close Path to restore clean fills.
  • Combine with Align & Arrange: After Knife cuts, use Align/Distribute to keep fragments neat.
  • Finish with the Remove tool: Run a last pass to delete leftover bits and stray fragments.

Troubleshooting

  • Erase isn’t doing anything: You may be erasing a group. Ungroup or target the specific path in Layers.
  • Cut created gaps in the stroke: That’s expected—Scissor/Knife create open paths. Use Close Path or join endpoints.
  • Edges look jagged after erasing: Lower the Erase size for detailed areas, or switch to Knife for straight, crisp cuts.
  • Deleting takes too long: Use Remove in context to click-away clutter without switching tools.

Try These Tools on Your Next Cleanup

Open a logo or illustration and test each tool on a safe duplicate. In a few minutes, you’ll feel how Erase, Scissor, Knife, and Remove each shine in different situations—and how they combine for fast, polished results.

Launch Vector Ink and put these techniques to work. Start by carving a small detail, slice a path for a color break, then remove stray bits for a clean finish.

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