Cut and close paths

Last updated: September 8, 2026 · 4 min read

Open a path at a chosen location, remove a section between cuts, or connect its open ends.

The first cut may create endpoints without changing the outline. Move the ends apart or remove a section to make a visible gap.

Follow these steps

1
Activate Scissors
PropertiesScissors
Choose Scissors in Properties to enter editing with the cutting tool active. When point editing is already active, C toggles Scissors.
2
Make the first cut
EditorCanvas
Click a point or a segment. A closed path opens at that location. Cutting inside an open path creates two pieces; clicking an existing open end does not cut again.
The first cut may leave the drawing looking unchanged because its new ends overlap.
3
Remove a section
EditorCanvas
Make a second cut elsewhere. Inspect the selected section between the cuts. If it is the section you want to remove, press Delete.
On a closed outline there are two possible routes between cuts. Automatic selection picks the piece with fewer points, so check the selection before deleting.
4
Leave Scissors
PropertiesScissors
Click Scissors again or press C. Escape first leaves Scissors; a second Escape leaves point editing.
5
Close an open path
PropertiesClose path
For a single open path with at least three points, choose Close path in Properties. If its ends are apart, a closing segment connects them.
Alternatively, in point editing select only one endpoint and drag it onto the other. An open path with at least three points closes when the ends join.

The controls used in this lesson.

Control	Where?	What it does
Scissors	Properties	Cuts at a point or on a segment.
C	Editor	Toggles Scissors while point editing.
Delete	Editor	Removes the selected section after cutting.
Close path	Properties	Connects the ends of a single open path.

The path is opened or closed where you need it. Cutting alone preserves the geometry until you remove a section.

The cut did not create a gap: The new ends may overlap. Leave Scissors, select just one endpoint and move it.
Close path is missing: The object must contain one open path with at least three points. The button is not shown for an object with multiple path pieces.