Split a shape along a line (straight line, freeform line, or precise curved line)

Note: To split a shape along a line, you must be logged-in to a Pro account. To learn how to upgrade, visit this link: How to upgrade to a Pro account

 

Splitting a shape along a line enables you to create many new types of shapes, including: trapezoids, and puzzle pieces.

For this instruction, we’re going to remove a triangle section from the corner of a rectangle.

Draw the rectangle

1. In Map View, draw a rectangle.

   To learn how to draw basic shapes, visit these links:

   • Label Tool—Create a label
   • Circle Tool—Draw a circle
   • Draw a polygon - (Polygon Tool)

Draw the line

2. In Map View, draw a line through the rectangle.

   For splitting any type of shape, the line must be positioned so the start-point and end-point are not inside the shape.

   For this example, position the line so a corner section of the rectangle can be split from the main section in later steps.

   To learn how to draw a line, visit these links:

   • Line Tool—Draw a Straight Line, Connected Lines, Flight Line or Dimension Line
   • Draw Tool—Draw a freeform line
   • Pen/Curve Tool—Draw a precise curved line

Split the shape

3. In the top toolbar, select the "Edit/Measure Tool".

   Quick Key: Or you can press the "Q" button on your keyboard.

    
4. Right-click on a section of the rectangle not covered by the line.
    
5. In the menu, click to select: "Hole/Split/Cut".
   A pop-up will appear, displaying a list of the map’s lines and shapes.
    
6. Click to select the line you previously created.
    
7. In Map View, you will see the rectangle has split along the line.

More options

• (Optional) You can now move the corner section and main section to new locations in Map View.

  1. Select the "Edit/Measure Tool" in the top toolbar.
      
  2. In the Map View, click-and-drag the shapes to new locations.

  On the line’s row in the Layers Panel, you will see a strikethrough line on the Eye Icon.
   
• (Optional) You can make the line appear in Map View.

  In the Layers Panel, click the Eye Icon on the line’s row.

   
• (Optional) You can delete the line.

  1. In the Layers Panel, click the Garbage Bin Icon on the line’s row.
      
  2. In the pop-up, click “Yes”.

See also

Split a circle into two semicircles

Split a rectangle into two separate rectangles

Split a polygon into two separate polygons