How to Cut a Hole in an Object in Adobe Illustrator

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Last Updated: February 24, 2025

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Create a Circle

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Cut a Hole in the Circle

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Video

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Tips

Cutting a hole in an object is actually easy. You don't need to manually do it using a knife tool, because it might not create a perfect hole, or import it to Photoshop. All you have to do is scroll down to step 1.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Create a Circle

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Any version will do. Wait until the program opens.
Simply press Ctrl + N. A window will pop out saying "New Document." Just enter your desired size then click Okay.

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It is located on the left side of the screen.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Cut a Hole in the Circle

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This will be the hole of the object.
3
Turn your object into an outline by pressing Ctrl + Y. This will make the sides of the objects visible.
- Move the circle inside the object to where you want to cut a hole.
- Clicking the Ctrl + Y again will bring back the color of the shapes.
If you cannot see it on the right side of the screen, so just go to Window on the menu bar. Check the Pathfinder and it will appear.
5
Click "Exclude" on the Shape Mode of the Pathfinder. Make sure that both objects are selected.
- To select them, press Ctrl + A.
- The hole has now been cut. You will notice that two objects become one after selecting "Exclude."