How to cut the non-overlapping part of 2 shapes in Illustrator CS6

Question

How to cut the non-overlapping part of 2 shapes in Illustrator CS6

Question

I have 2 shapes (see below) a circle and a shape of the US. I want to remove the part of the US that falls outside the circle. How is this possible?

enter image description here

Thanks

Fraser

2013/06/01

Popular Answer

Draw a shape which covers the area you want to remove.

Select the new path and the continent. On the Pathfinder Panel (Window > Pathfinder), click the Minus Front button.

Scott

2013/06/01

JohnB · Accepted Answer · 6/1/2013 9:39:00 PM

This doesn't answer your question specifically (no "cutting" involved), but another less-permanent way to do this is with a clipping mask. Duplicate the circle and make sure it is above the art you want to remove.

Then, select both the circle and the art, and do Object â†’ Clipping Mask â†’ Make.

This will just "hide" the portion that you don't want to appear without actually cutting the artwork.

Before:

Before

After

If you view the Outlines, you can see the rest of North America is still there, just hidden.

Hidden Eastern Seaboard

^{Side note: the Hawaii on your map is HUGE. ;)}