To trim vectors in Illustrator quickly, use the Shape Builder tool.
Here's a breakdown of how to do it:
-
Select the objects: Select all the vector objects you want to trim. You can do this by dragging your cursor over them or pressing
Ctrl+A
(orCmd+A
on a Mac). -
Activate the Shape Builder Tool: Click on the Shape Builder tool in the toolbar, or press
Shift + M
. -
Trim unwanted areas: Hold down the
Alt
key (orOption
key on a Mac). Your cursor will change to a minus sign. Click and drag over the sections of the vectors you want to delete. Illustrator will merge and delete those selected areas.
In essence, the Shape Builder Tool allows you to merge, delete, and modify shapes by intuitively clicking and dragging. Holding Alt/Option
toggles the tool to delete mode.