How to cut a segment of a line in Inkscape

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

How To Cut A Segment Of A Line in Inkscape | 2 Methods 800 470 Nick Saporito

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

To cut a segment of a line in Inkscape, you can use the Cut Path feature, or you can use the Break path at selected nodes function within the Edit Paths By Nodes tool settings.

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.

Step 1

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.

Difference path operation

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.

Cut path

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.

Break path at selected nodes location

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

Breaking the line as a specified point

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!

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Nick Saporito

Hi, I'm Nick— a Philadelphia-based graphic designer with over 10 years of experience. Each year millions of users learn how to use design software to express their creativity using my tutorials here and on YouTube.

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