Cutting Images in Adobe Illustrator

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2. Adjusting the Image Crop Widget

3. Image Cropping Options

In Illustrator, we can effortlessly crop linked or embedded images. During the image cropping process, a visual widget becomes our ally in handling the selected images. The Image Crop feature only affects the currently selected image. Additionally, linked images get embedded immediately after cropping.

There are numerous image cropping software options for you to explore and choose from. Using these tools will help you extract desired objects from your photos.

Important Note:

- The cropped image section will be permanently removed and cannot be restored.

- Image conversion is not possible during the cropping process. If attempting to convert an image after selecting the Crop Image option, Illustrator will exit the image cropping interface.

Follow the steps below to crop an image in Adobe Illustrator:

Step 1: Select File => Place, choose the image you want to place, and then click Place.

Step 2: Utilize the Selection tool () to choose the image you want to crop.

Note: Illustrator defaults to the Selection tool when we choose the Crop Image option. If any other tool is active, Illustrator will automatically switch to the Selection tool.

Step 3: Follow one of the actions below to crop the selected image.

- Click on Crop Image in the Control panel.

- Choose Object => Crop Image.

- Choose Crop Image from the menu.

Important Note:

If two or more objects are selected, the Crop Image option cannot be chosen.

Step 4:If working with a linked image, Illustrator will display a notification stating that linked files will be embedded after cropping. Click OK to proceed.

Step 5: Drag the widget corners and edges to define the cropping boundaries.

Important Note:

For any image, the image crop widget is a rectangular icon; additionally, the image crop widget cannot be rotated.

Step 6: Specify cropping options using the Control panel.

Step 7: Perform one of the actions below:

- Click Apply on the Control panel.

- Press Enter (on Windows) or Return (on Mac OS).

Note for Windows 64-bit and macOS:

- When selecting the Crop Image option for cropping, Illustrator identifies visually meaningful portions of the selected image. The default crop box will display based on the identified area.

If desired, you can adjust the size of the crop box. After finalizing the image cropping position, click Apply in the Properties window or press Enter (on Windows) or Return (on macOS) to crop the image.

- To disable or turn off this feature, uncheck the Enable Content Aware Defaults option in Edit =>Preferences =>General on Windows or Illustrator CC =>Preferences =>General on macOS. By unchecking this option, the default experience for Crop Image, Freeform gradient, and Puppet Warp will also be disabled.

To exit the cropping interface without applying any changes, you can follow one of the actions below:

- Click on Cancel in the Control panel.

- Press the Escape key.

- Choose any tool from the Tools panel, excluding the Zoom tool and Hand tool.

2.1 Resizing

Perform one of the actions below to resize the image crop widget:

- Specify values for Height and Width in the Control Panel.

- Drag the corner or edge handles.

- Press the Shift key to maintain widget proportions on both sides.

- Press the Alt key to maintain widget proportions in the center.

- Use the pinch-to-zoom gesture on touch-enabled devices.

Note: Illustrator Touch for Windows tablets does not support image cropping.

2.1 Adjusting Position

Perform one of the actions below to adjust the position of the image crop widget:

- Click and drag to any position for cropping.

- Press the arrow keys to move the image crop widget.

- Hold down the Shift key and simultaneously press the arrow keys to move the widget in increments of 10 units (default) or as specified in your Preferences.

3. Image Cropping Options

We can specify the following options on the Control panel during the image cropping process:

- PPI: Choose the resolution for the cropped image from the available options. Also, specify the image resolution in pixels per inch (PPI). If the image resolution is lower than the available options in the menu, the options will be disabled. The maximum value we can enter must match the resolution of the original image or be 300 PPI.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What steps should I follow to crop an image in Adobe Illustrator?

To crop an image in Adobe Illustrator, first select File => Place to choose your image. Next, use the Selection tool to select the image and click Crop Image. Then, adjust the cropping boundaries using the widget, and apply the crop by clicking Apply or pressing Enter.

Can I restore the cropped section of an image after using Illustrator's cropping tool?

No, once you crop an image in Illustrator, the cropped section is permanently removed and cannot be restored. Ensure that you are satisfied with the cropping before applying the changes to avoid losing any parts of your image.

How can I adjust the size and position of the image crop widget in Illustrator?

To resize the crop widget, drag the corner or edge handles or specify values in the Control Panel. To adjust the position, click and drag the widget, or use the arrow keys for precise movements. Holding Shift moves the widget in larger increments.

What are the image cropping options available in Adobe Illustrator?

In Illustrator, the image cropping options include selecting the PPI for the cropped image and adjusting the cropping boundaries. The resolution can be set to match the original image or a maximum of 300 PPI, depending on the initial quality.

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