Trim Object > Trim / Cut Out (Trim Menu)

This command can be used to cut out a piece from an existing object. Where possible, the end of an object can be trimmed.

Any standard object can be identified as the object to be trimmed, such as lines, endless lines, beams, circles, circle parts, ellipses, ellipse parts, curves, surfaces, and hatchings. The objects are always treated as wholes; sectors and segments are handled like arcs.

The identified object is referred to in the rest of this section as the "trim object".

The position at which the trim object is identified (the "ID Point") affects the rest of the command. It determines which part of the object should be trimmed or capped. Refer to the graphics at the end of this section.

The first separation point can be specified by clicking on any point within the drawing. A perpendicular is dropped from here to the trim object to work out the exact separation point. In most cases it is a good idea to snap to the intersection of the trim object with another object. To do this, hold down the SHIFT key during point entry.

The second separation point can be specified by clicking on any point within the drawing. A perpendicular is dropped from here to the trim object to work out the exact separation point. In most cases it is a good idea to snap to the intersection of the trim object with another object. To do this, hold down the SHIFT key during point entry.

After specifying both separation points, the trim object is trimmed. If both separation points lie on the object outline, then a portion is removed or both outstanding ends are separated. If a one separation point is outside the outline, then one end of the object is capped. The segment nearest to the ID point is always removed (see diagram).

Trimming lines:

Trimming circle and ellipse parts.

Note a basic rule for trimming: the object is always changed where it is clicked on!

If both points lie outside the object outline, an error message appears.