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Adobe Illustrator/Can't break block into separate shapes

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Expert: - 9/10/2010


Question

Cara G
Mac OSX,CS4, 4gb ram. I recently switched from Corel to AI. I design quilt blocks that need to be separated into templates so they can be cut from fabric and sewn back together to make the block design. When I draw a rectangle, then draw curved lines inside to meet the edges of the rectangle, I can't figure out how to get the lines to be a closed shape and then break apart so that each shape comes apart separately. I have grouped them, I have tried to add nodes to the rectangle, I have tried to cut with scissors, and tried the pathfinder tools, but I just can't figure this out. Here is the shape I am working on. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Cara,

The easiest way to do this is to open the Pathfinder panel (Window>Pathfinder). Select the shapes and choose the "Divide" button. This will split the shapes apart. The key to this is to make your circular shapes overlap the rectangle and not butt up against it. You can always delete the excess pieces.

Thanks

Kevin  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentFast answer, clear and concise. Saved the day for me. Thank you!


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Kevin Stohlmeyer

Expertise

I am an Adobe Certified Instructor. I can answer all your questions about Adobe Illustrator version 8 through the new Adobe CS5 versions.

Experience

I am an Adobe Certified Instructor for Adobe Illustrator and have been teaching this application to college students for the past 6 years. I now teach this as a corporate instructor.

Organizations
Milwaukee Adobe Users Group National Association of Photoshop Professionals C2 Graphics Productivity Solutions

Education/Credentials
BA - Graphic Design Adobe Certified Instructor - Illustrator Adobe Community Professional

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