To remove drawing area outside the artboard in Adobe Illustrator, you can use the Shape Builder Tool to trim or delete these extra areas. Here's how:
Steps to Remove Drawing Area Outside the Artboard
- Select the Artwork: Use the Selection Tool (keyboard shortcut V) to select the illustration or objects that are partially outside the artboard.
- Draw a Rectangle: Create a rectangle that covers the entire artboard using the Rectangle Tool. Ensure it completely overlaps the visible artboard area.
- Select All: Use the Selection Tool to select both the illustration and the rectangle you just drew.
- Use the Shape Builder Tool: Choose the Shape Builder Tool.
- Trim or Delete:
- To remove unwanted parts: With the Shape Builder Tool selected, click and drag over the areas you want to remove. This effectively trims the artwork to the boundaries of the artboard.
Practical Insights and Solutions
- Accuracy is Key: Make sure the rectangle you create precisely covers the artboard area to avoid accidentally trimming parts of the design.
- Complex Shapes: The Shape Builder Tool is particularly useful when dealing with illustrations that have complex, overlapping shapes extending beyond the artboard.
- Alternative Methods: Although the reference video shows the Shape Builder tool, you could also use a Clipping Mask. However, using the Shape Builder to remove parts is more in-line with the question of removing drawing areas.
By using the Shape Builder Tool in Illustrator, you can efficiently clean up your artwork and get rid of those annoying parts that extend outside the artboard.
