How Do You Erase on Adobe Illustrator?

To erase in Adobe Illustrator, you primarily use the Eraser Tool. Here's how:

Steps to Erase in Illustrator

Select the Eraser Tool: Locate and click on the Eraser Tool, which is usually represented by an eraser icon, or press E on your keyboard. This activates the tool.
Customize Tool Settings: Before erasing, check the tool options bar at the top of the screen. Here you can adjust settings such as:
- Size: Change the diameter of the eraser tip to erase more or less area with each stroke.
- Hardness: Modify the edge of the eraser to be a sharp, hard edge or a softer, feathered one.
- Other settings (depending on the version): Some versions may have additional settings like a "round" or "square" shape option.
Erase by Dragging: Click and drag the Eraser Tool over the parts of your artwork that you want to remove. The eraser will delete the parts you drag across.

Step	Action	Details
1. Activate Eraser	Click on the Eraser Tool (or press E).	The Eraser Tool icon should appear selected in your toolbar.
2. Adjust Settings	Modify the tool settings using the options bar.	Experiment with different settings to get the desired erasing effect.
3. Erase	Click and drag the eraser over the area you wish to remove.	Parts of the artwork will be deleted as you drag the eraser tool. If you make a mistake you can press Ctrl + Z (or Cmd + Z on Mac) to undo your action.

The Eraser Tool works on paths and shapes, as well as raster images that are embedded or linked in your document.
To erase in a straight line, click at the beginning and end points to erase a path.
Use the settings to create different erasing effects. A hard edge is good for precise lines, while a soft edge can give a more blended appearance.
Remember to use the Undo function (Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z) if you accidentally erase something you didn't intend to.
If you are erasing large sections of your artwork, try using the Pathfinder or Shape Builder tools, as these may be faster and more precise for complex shapes.