Each Illustrator object, whether closed (for example, a line) or open (for example, a circle) consists of one or more path segments held together by anchor points. This tutorial shows how the direct selection tool can be used to select path segments and then how a segment or segments can be isolated using Cut and Paste in Front.

Using the direct selection tool

In order to select path segments you need to work with the Direct Selection tool - the white arrow in the top right of the Illustrator toolbar. After clicking on the tool, it is usually a good idea to deselect the tool by clicking on a neutral area of your page (in the space between objects, for example) or by choosing Deselect from the Select menu. This is because, if a path is already fully selected, clicking on a segment will not change the selecion.

With the Direct Selection tool active, when you move the cursor over a neutral area of the page, it takes on the appearance of the direct selection tool, as shown below.

With the Direct Selection tool active, when the cursor is positioned over a path segment, a small black square appears below and to the right of the white arrow.

Finally, with the Direct Selection tool active, when the cursor is positioned over an anchor point, , a small white square appears below and to the right of the white arrow.

Keeping an eye out for these last two signals makes it easy to click on path segments and anchor points.