How to Split Objects Using the Knife Tool in eXPerience 8

The Knife tool is a powerful function in eXPerience 8 that allows you to divide filled objects, split shapes into multiple parts, and create unique, complex designs from portions of other objects. This guide will walk you through the basic and advanced uses of this versatile tool.

Performing a Basic Cut

The fundamental use of the Knife tool is to split one object into two. The process uses an open line as the “cutting edge.”

1. Start with the filled object you wish to cut.
2. Using a drawing tool, draw an open line over the object. This line will act as the cutting path.
3. First, select the filled object.
4. Then, while holding the Ctrl key, add the open line to your selection. (The selection order is important: fill object first, then the line).
5. Right-click on the selection to open the context menu and choose the Knife option.
6. The fill object will now be split into two separate objects along the path defined by the line.

Useful Tip: For a successful cut, the ends of the cutting line must extend completely beyond the edges of the object you are cutting. If the line is shorter than the object’s width, the cut will not be able to complete.

Advanced Techniques

1. Cutting Multiple Objects at Once

You can use a single line to cut several objects simultaneously.

1. Draw one open line that passes through all the filled objects you intend to cut.
2. Select all the target filled objects.
3. While holding the Ctrl key, select the cutting line.
4. Right-click and choose the Knife option. All selected objects under the line will be split.

2. Slicing an Object into Multiple Pieces

If you need to cut an object into several slices, you can do so with one of two methods.

• Method A: Using a Continuous Line Draw a single, continuous line that weaves back and forth over the object at each point you want to create a slice. Use this continuous line as your cutting object.
• Method B: Using Multiple Lines If you have multiple, separate lines that you want to use for the cut, you must combine them into a single object first.
  1. Draw the individual lines for each cut.
  2. Select all the separate line objects.
  3. Right-click and use the Combine function to merge them into a single outline object.
  4. You can now use this combined object as your cutting line to make multiple slices at once.

3. Making Precise Cuts on a Node

To ensure your cut is perfectly aligned with a specific point or corner on your shape, follow this procedure:

1. Begin drawing your cutting line.
2. Position your cursor over the exact corner or node where you want the cut to be.
3. Hold down the Shift key and click to add a Cusp node directly on top of that point.
4. Continue drawing the rest of your line and complete the cut as usual. This guarantees the split happens exactly on the node, not next to it.

Critical Rule: The Cutting Tool Must Be an Open Outline

Only open outline objects (lines) can be used as cutting tools with the Knife function. The Knife option will be unavailable (grayed out) if you try to use a closed shape like an ellipse, circle, or rectangle as the cutting tool.

If you wish to cut a shape using the curve of another shape (e.g., an ellipse), you must first split the outline of the ellipse to convert it into an open path. Once it is an open path, it can be used as a cutting tool.