How To Cut A Segment Of A Line in Inkscape | 2 Methods

• May 7, 2020
• Nick Saporito
• 12 comments

In this tutorial I’ll be demonstrating 2 ways you can cut a segment of a line in Inkscape. This can be done with the Cut Path feature and the Nodes tool.

The following is a brief overview of the steps taken to cut lines in Inkscape. I would recommend checking out the video tutorial below for a more engaging lesson. It’s less than 2 minutes in length.

Cut A Segment Of A Line in Inkscape

There’s two different methods you can use for cutting lines, otherwise known as strokes.

Method 1: Cut Path

In the example below, I have a circle comprised of a blue stroke, along with a red rectangle.

Normally, you would think to use the Difference path operating to cut a segment from this stroke. However, that doesn’t quite work as hoped.

The reason why this happens is because the Difference path operation only works on fill data. It doesn’t work on lines/strokes.

In order to use the red rectangle as a reference for cutting a segment from the stroke, instead of using Difference, navigate to Path > Cut Path with both objects selected.

The Cut Path feature works similarly to the Difference path operation, only it works on strokes (lines) rather than fill data. This will allow you to cut your segment as intended.

Method 2: Break Path At Selected Nodes

The second way you can cut a segment of a line in Inkscape is by using the Break path at selected nodes feature within the Edit Paths By Nodes tool settings.

To utilize this, grab the Edit Paths By Nodes tool (keyboard shortcut: n) and double-click on your stroke where you would like to cut it. This will add a new node. Then, in the tool settings, look for the icon that reads “Cut path at selected nodes” when you hover your cursor over it.

Clicking on this icon will effectively cut the line at that particular node.

And that is how you can cut a segment of a line in Inkscape! If you have any questions simply leave a comment below. As always, thanks for watching!

Learn To Master The Software Gain a complete understanding of your favorite design apps with my comprehensive collection of video courses. Each course grants access to our private community where you can ask questions and get help when needed.   81 Videos   11 Modules The Inkscape Master Class Tutorials, quizzes and practice exercises for learning every tool & feature in Inkscape. Add to cart Price: $17   82 Videos   10 Modules The Affinity V3 Master Class Tutorials, quizzes and practice exercises for learning every tool & feature in Affinity. Add to cart Price: $22   98 Videos   7 Modules Illustrator Master Class Tutorials, quizzes and practice exercises for learning every tool & feature in Illustrator. Add to cart Price: $17   70 Videos   9 Modules GIMP Master Class Learn how to use all of the primary tools and features in the GIMP application. Add to cart Price: $17 View All Courses