The Scissors tool on the Tools panel allows you to
split an open path into two paths or open a closed path. If you just
want to open a closed path, you can also use the Open Path button on the
Pathfinder panel or the same command on the Paths submenu. You can
split a path at an anchor point or in the middle of a segment. The
Scissors tool creates two points, one on top of the other. You can use
the Direct Selection tool to move one point away from the other. If a
path contains text, you cannot split it into two segments.
Split a Path
Select the Direct Selection tool on the Tools panel.
Select the object with the path that you want to split.
Select the Scissors tool on the Tools panel.
Click the object’s path where you want to split it.
If you click on a closed path, it turns into an open path. If you click on an open path, it splits it into two paths.
If you click a line segment, two endpoints appear, one on top of the other.
To move the endpoints, select the Direct Selection tool, and then drag the selected endpoint to display the endpoint below it.
Open a Closed Path
- Select the Direct Selection tool on the Tools panel.
- Select the anchor point or segment where you want to open a closed path.
- Select the Pathfinder panel.
- Click the Window menu, point to Object & Layout, and then click Pathfinder.
- Click the Open Path button on the panel.
The closed path turns into an open path.
- To move the endpoints, select the Direct Selection tool, and then drag the selected endpoint to display the endpoint below it.
You can reverse the direction of a path.
Select the Direct Selection tool, select the path you want to reverse,
and then click the Reverse button on the Pathfinder panel, or click the
Object menu, point to Paths, and then click Reverse Path.
