How to use Eraser tool in illustrator

In this Illustrator Lesson, I will explain, ‘How to use Eraser Tool in illustrator’. Eraser tool with Scissors tool and Knife are a great combination to use while creating digital illustrations.

My name is Lalit Adhikari and I’m a blogger at LTY. Let’s dive into our topic.

When you are working with any brush tools (Paintbrush or Blob brush) in Illustrator then the best tool for editing your artwork is the eraser tool.

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Introduction

Erasing in Adobe Illustrator is one of the fundamental skills every designer must master. Whether you’re refining vector shapes, removing unwanted brush strokes, or creating complex clipping masks, understanding how to use the eraser tool effectively can dramatically improve your workflow and design precision.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about erasing in Illustrator, from basic eraser tool usage to advanced techniques using scissors tools, path erasers, and clipping masks.

Unlike pixel-based editing in Photoshop, erasing in Illustrator works differently because you’re working with vector paths and shapes. This means the erasing process is more precise and non-destructive when done correctly.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with multiple erasing methods and know exactly when to use each one for optimal results.

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Understanding the Eraser Tool: What Makes It Different in Vector Graphics

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Why Vector Erasing is Different from Raster Erasing

When you erase in Adobe Illustrator, you’re not simply removing pixels like you would in Photoshop. Instead, you’re modifying vector paths and creating new anchor points.

This fundamental difference means that erasing in Illustrator is both more flexible and more precise than traditional raster erasing.

Vector-based erasing allows you to:

• Divide shapes into multiple editable parts
• Maintain smooth, scalable paths at any resolution
• Create anchor points along the erased path for further editing
• Work non-destructively when using appropriate techniques
• Scale designs infinitely without losing quality

Understanding this concept is crucial because it explains why certain erasing methods work better for specific situations. When you use the eraser tool on a vector path, it creates new anchor points at the beginning and end of the erased section, effectively breaking the path into separate segments.

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The Eraser Tool – Your Primary Erasing Solution

What is the Eraser Tool?

The Eraser Tool in Adobe Illustrator is a brush-based tool that allows you to remove portions of vector shapes, paths, and brush strokes by simply dragging across them.

It’s the most intuitive erasing method and works similarly to a physical eraser on paper, making it familiar to most users.

The Eraser Tool is particularly useful when you need to:

• Remove brush stroke marks quickly
• Delete parts of vector shapes with freehand precision
• Create organic, irregular edges
• Erase multiple overlapping objects simultaneously
• Break paths into separate, editable segments

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How to Access the Eraser Tool

Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut

The quickest way to access the Eraser Tool is by pressing Shift + E on your keyboard. This shortcut works on both Windows and Mac computers and is one of the most efficient ways to switch tools during your design workflow.

Method 2: From the Toolbar

Alternatively, you can click on the Eraser Tool directly from the left-hand toolbar. The tool icon typically shows a small eraser and is usually located near other transformation tools. If you can’t find it immediately, look for tools grouped together – the Eraser Tool often shares a menu with the Scissors Tool and other path-editing tools.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Eraser Tool

Step 1: Select Your Objects

Before you start erasing, identify which shapes or paths you want to modify. You can work on a single object or select multiple objects to erase across them simultaneously. Use the Selection Tool (V) to choose your objects.

Step 2: Activate the Eraser Tool

Press Shift + E or click the Eraser Tool icon in the toolbar. Your cursor should change to a circle (or your custom eraser shape) indicating the tool is active.

Step 3: Adjust the Eraser Size (Optional)

Before erasing, you may want to adjust the eraser size. Use these keyboard shortcuts:

• Press ] to increase eraser size
• Press [ to decrease eraser size

This allows you to match the eraser size to the area you want to erase.

Step 4: Click and Drag to Erase

Position your cursor over the area you want to erase and click and drag across it. As you drag, you’ll see the area being removed in real-time. The longer you drag, the more you erase.

Step 5: Release the Mouse Button

When you release the mouse button, Illustrator finalizes the erasing action. The erased area is now permanently removed from that object, and new anchor points are created at the boundaries of the erased section.

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Understanding Eraser Tool Behavior on Different Objects

Erasing Paths

When you use the Eraser Tool on a path (created with the Pencil or Pen Tool), it breaks the path into separate segments. You’ll notice new anchor points appear where you erased, allowing you to edit these segments independently. This is extremely useful for creating complex, multi-segment paths from a single original path.

Erasing Shapes

When erasing closed shapes (circles, rectangles, polygons), the Eraser Tool creates an opening in the shape. The shape remains editable, and you can continue to modify it using the Direct Selection Tool or by applying additional erasing.

Erasing Multiple Objects

If you select multiple objects before erasing, the Eraser Tool will affect all selected objects along the path where you drag. This is useful for erasing across groups or compound paths, but requires precision to avoid accidentally erasing more than intended.

Note: The best tool for erasing the paintbrush path is a scissors tool which is in the fly-out menu under the eraser tool option which doesn’t drastically change the width of the stroke.

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Advanced Eraser Tool Customization and Settings

Accessing Eraser Tool Options

To access the detailed options for the Eraser Tool, double-click the Eraser Tool icon in the toolbar. This opens the Eraser Tool Options dialog where you can customize the tool’s behavior.

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Key Eraser Tool Settings Explained

Size

The Size parameter controls the overall dimensions of your eraser brush. Values range from small (1 pt) to very large (500+ pt). Larger sizes erase broader areas but offer less precision, while smaller sizes allow detailed work but require more strokes.

Angle

The Angle determines the orientation of the eraser shape. This is particularly useful if you’ve set the Roundness to less than 100%, creating an elliptical eraser. You can rotate the eraser angle from 0° to 360°. Holding the Shift key while dragging constrains the eraser to straight horizontal or vertical lines.

Roundness

The Roundness value determines the shape of your eraser:

• 100% Roundness: Creates a perfectly circular eraser, ideal for most general erasing tasks
• 50% Roundness: Creates an elliptical eraser, useful for erasing in specific directions
• Lower values (0-49%): Create highly flattened erasers for precise line erasing

Pressure and Tilt (Graphics Tablet Users)

If you’re using a graphics tablet, you can enable pressure sensitivity and tilt sensitivity. These settings allow your eraser size to vary based on how hard you press the stylus or the angle at which you tilt it, creating a more natural, organic erasing experience.

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Custom Eraser Brush Dynamics

For users with graphics tablets, setting up custom brush dynamics can significantly enhance your erasing experience. You can configure the eraser to:

• Vary in size based on stylus pressure
• Change opacity based on tilt angle
• Respond to rotation for directional erasing
• Adjust hardness based on speed of movement

These settings create a more natural, traditional erasing experience that many designers prefer when working on detailed projects.

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The Scissors Tool – Precision Path Cutting

If you click and hold the eraser tool option you can find the scissors tool in its fly-out menu. The shortcut key for this tool is C.

After you select this option you can hover over your shape and make a click with your mouse or graphics pen to wherever you want to place the cut.

So, if you make two cuts like I did on the circle, then you can drag out the small cut path from the main circle by the selection tool. Therefore, it acts just like how a pair of scissors would act on real life.

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Understanding the Scissors Tool

The Scissors Tool is a precision cutting instrument that allows you to cut vector paths at specific anchor points. While it’s not technically an erasing tool, it’s often used in conjunction with erasing to remove unwanted path segments.

The Scissors Tool is perfect when you need surgical precision and want to maintain complete control over which parts of your path remain.

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Advantages of Using the Scissors Tool Over the Eraser Tool

Precision

The Scissors Tool cuts exactly where you click, making it perfect for removing specific sections without affecting surrounding areas.

Anchor Point Control

You can cut at existing anchor points or create new ones by clicking on the path. This gives you complete control over where cuts happen.

Non-Destructive Workflow

The Scissors Tool simply cuts the path without immediately removing it, allowing you to carefully select and delete only the segments you want to remove.

Complex Path Management

When working with intricate paths or paths that cross other paths, the Scissors Tool provides the precision needed to avoid accidental deletions.

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Step-by-Step Guide: Using the Scissors Tool to Remove Path Sections

Step 1: Select the Scissors Tool

Press the C key on your keyboard to activate the Scissors Tool, or click it directly from the toolbar. You’ll notice it’s typically grouped with the Eraser Tool in the same toolbar menu.

Step 2: Locate Your Target Path

Identify the path or shape from which you want to remove a section. You don’t need to pre-select it; the Scissors Tool will work on any path you click.

Step 3: Click at the Starting Point

Click on the path exactly where you want to begin your cut. This could be an existing anchor point or any point along the path. Illustrator will create a cut point at this location.

Step 4: Click at the Ending Point

Click at the point where you want to end your cut. This creates another cut point, effectively isolating the section between your two clicks.

Step 5: Select the Isolated Section

Switch to the Selection Tool (V) and click on the path segment you want to delete. The section between your two cuts should be highlighted.

Step 6: Delete the Unwanted Section

Press the Delete key to remove the selected segment. The path is now edited, with the middle section removed and clean anchor points at the cut locations.

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Advanced Scissors Tool Techniques

Creating Precise Gaps in Shapes

Use the Scissors Tool to create clean openings in closed shapes like circles. Cut at two points directly opposite each other to create a perfect gap, then delete the middle segment.

Cutting at Path Intersections

When paths cross, the Scissors Tool can cut at the exact intersection point. This is useful for removing crossing segments while maintaining clean anchor points.

Working with Complex Compound Paths

The Scissors Tool excels at cutting compound paths into separate, editable shapes. This is particularly useful when you need to isolate specific elements from a complex grouped design.

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Knife Tool

This is the last option in the fly-out menu of the eraser tool. The main difference between this tool and other tools in the eraser tool fly-out menu is that it only works on closed paths.

So, before applying the knife tool make sure that your shape is a closed path.

To use the knife tool, you first need to select the shape that you want to cut with the direct selection tool. Then select the knife tool, click away from the object, hold and while moving your mouse or graphics pen draw a cut line.

You can’t change the path of the cut after you’ve applied the cut and thus you get two separate shapes.

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Advanced Techniques: Beyond Basic Erasing

Combining Multiple Erasing Methods

Professional designers often combine multiple erasing techniques within a single project:

• Layer Protection Strategy

Before erasing, lock or hide layers you don’t want to affect. Use the Layers Panel to click the eye icon to hide layers and prevent accidental erasing.

• Isolation Mode Erasing

Enter Isolation Mode (double-click a group) to erase only within that group without affecting other design elements. This is especially useful for complex designs with multiple layers of elements.

• Shape Builder Tool Alternative

For more advanced path manipulation, the Shape Builder Tool combined with Alt/Option key allows you to delete overlapping path segments where paths cross, providing an alternative to direct erasing.

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Working with Stroke Styles During Erasing

One common challenge is maintaining stroke styles when erasing. Here’s how to handle this:

• Preventing Style Loss

Use the Path Eraser Tool instead of the standard Eraser Tool, as it preserves stroke properties better.

• Post-Erasing Style Application

After erasing, you can reapply or adjust stroke styles using the Stroke Panel. Select the erased path and modify stroke weight, caps, joins, and dash patterns as needed.

• Compound Paths

When erasing compound paths, the results can sometimes be unpredictable. It’s often better to decompose compound paths first (Object > Compound Path > Release) before erasing, then recompose them if needed.

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Erasing Across Grouped Objects

When you have grouped objects and want to erase across the entire group:

• Method 1: Ungroup First

Ungroup the objects (Ctrl+Shift+G or Cmd+Shift+G), erase as needed, then regroup.

• Method 2: Enter Group Isolation Mode

Double-click the group to enter isolation mode, then erase within the group. This prevents accidental changes to objects outside the group.

• Method 3: Make a Clipping Mask

Create a clipping mask that defines the visible area across the entire group, which is often cleaner than erasing individual grouped elements.

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This guide is regularly updated with the latest information about Adobe tools and design best practices. Last Updated: Feb 2026

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