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Split a path



You can split a path, graphics frame, or empty text frame at any anchor point or along any segment. When you split a path, keep the following in mind:

  • If you want to split a closed path into two open paths, you must slice in two places along the path. If you slice a closed path only once, you get a single path with a gap in it.

  • Any paths resulting from a split inherit the path settings of the original path, such as stroke weight and fill color. You may need to reset stroke alignment from inside to outside.

Split a path using the Scissors tool

  1. (Optional) Select the path to see its current anchor points.
  2. Select the Scissors tool and click the path where you want to split it. When you split the path in the middle of a segment, the two new endpoints appear on top of the other, and one endpoint is selected.
  3. Use the Direct Selection tool to adjust the new anchor point or path segment.

Open a path using the Pathfinder panel

  1. Select the closed path.
  2. To open the Pathfinder panel, choose Window > Object & Layout > Pathfinder.
  3. Click Open Path in the Pathfinder panel.