How Do I Clean Up Drawings With Inkscape?

Are yous new to Inkscape and wondering how to erase a shape or part of a path? In Inkscape, similar most blueprint software, there are a number of ways to accomplish the aforementioned task. One way to erase shapes or part of a path is to utilize the Eraser Tool. In this tutorial nosotros'll become over the iii ways you can use the Eraser Tool.

Step 1 - Draw a Shape

In this tutorial I will draw an ellipse with the Create Circles, Ellipses, and Arcs Tool. Select the tool, and so click, hold, and drag diagonally on the screen to create an ellipse.
Draw Ellipse in Inkscape
Annotation, the eraser tool can be used with shapes or paths including imported vector files such as SVG. You lot cannot use the Eraser tool with a PNG or JPEG.

Pace 2 - Select the Eraser Tool

You tin can select the Eraser Tool from the left toolbar or use the shortcut Shift + Due east. Yous take three options with the eraser tool.

Option ane - Delete Objects Touched by Eraser

When yous draw the eraser stroke, any objects touching that stroke will be completely erased. In this example, the whole ellipse volition be completely erased. This is an piece of cake way to delete a whole object. There are no boosted features to this Eraser Tool choice.
Inkscape Eraser Tool Delete Objects Touched by Eraser

Option 2 - Cut Out from Paths and Shapes

When you draw the eraser stroke, the stroke will exist cut out from the shape. What remains volition exist a path. This is a fun way to cut out designs from a shape - think snowflakes!
Inkscape Eraser Tool Cut Paths
With this Eraser Tool choice, yous have the added feature to Break Apart Cut Items. If you select this option, so make an eraser line that goes all the way through the shape. You are left with ii objects equally you can come across below.
Inkscape Eraser Tool Break Apart

Option 3 - Clip from Objects

When you lot draw the eraser stroke, the stroke volition be clipped from the shape and then the original shape will remain its own path.

Inkscape Eraser Clip from Objects

The added fun of using this Eraser tool option, is you can use the clip features that Inkscape offers. If y'all go to Object > Clip > Set Inverse, y'all can switch which office is visible.

Inkscape Eraser Clip from Objects (Inverse Clip)