How to Cut a Hole in an Object in Adobe Illustrator

Last Updated: January 8, 2016

Cutting a hole in an object is actually easy. You don't need to manually do it using a knife tool, because it might not create a perfect hole, or import it to Photoshop. All you have to do is scroll down to step 1.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Create a Circle

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Any version will do. Wait until the program opens.
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Simply press Ctrl + N. A window will pop out saying "New Document." Just enter your desired size then click Okay.

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It is located on the left side of the screen.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Cut a Hole in the Circle

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This will be the hole of the object.
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3
Turn your object into an outline by pressing Ctrl + Y. This will make the sides of the objects visible.
- Move the circle inside the object to where you want to cut a hole.
- Clicking the Ctrl + Y again will bring back the color of the shapes.
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If you cannot see it on the right side of the screen, so just go to Window on the menu bar. Check the Pathfinder and it will appear.
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5
Click "Exclude" on the Shape Mode of the Pathfinder. Make sure that both objects are selected.
- To select them, press Ctrl + A.
- The hole has now been cut. You will notice that two objects become one after selecting "Exclude."

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You can also try different shapes to cut in another object by following the same steps!

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How to Cut a Hole in an Object in Adobe Illustrator

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Create a Circle

Cut a Hole in the Circle

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