is it possible to cut and delete paths that are not visible?

[Lee_SK]

hi guys,

i'm trying to find a way (something automated not manual cleaning) of path lines that are hidden behind other objects with fill color. I've attached a simple example of what i'm referring to.

shape A has a single path (no fill) behind a rectangular box with white fill. Pic B shows the actual paths with no fill color.

Now I wish to remove part of the vertical line that is behind the box. So basically pic A should look the same when viewing the outline/paths (with CTRL+Y)

I have tried all pathfinder options and non of them did the job. The only way I know of is to use the shapebuilder tool and manually drag and merge the internal of the box. It works for this example, but I need it for far more complex artwork that need to be cut on laser/sticker cutters so the shape builder wont help me in this case.

I also tried selecting all filled objects, moving them on top and use minus front but unfortunately open paths will get deleted completely. Minus front between 2 closed objects has the behaviour that i'm looking for, but as stated, not working with open paths.

any help much appreciated. I'm open also to 3rd party plugins/software, though i would prefer doing it natively

[Monika Gause]

This is a very simple example. But how do the complex ones look? And also: is it always just one path that cuts the lines? Or multiple?

If you are looking for an automated solution, then the complex files are the most interesting ones.

[Eric Dumas]

• Sorry, my solution did not work. I will keep looking

[Eric Dumas]

It worked when I selected the line and square and Pathfinder > Outline

What's weird is that all the lines are combined in one object and the stroke needs reapplying. But I was able to double click on the piece to trim and delete just that.

How to cut intersecting lines in Illustrator - Quora