Removing Parallel Chunk from Circle Border

[philips67178736]

I want to remove a small chunk from a circle's border, but want the remaining end cuts to be parallel.  However the scissors tool cuts the ends at a right angle.  In the attached image, I used a rectangle with white fill and stroke and placed it over the circle, which gives me the look I want.  However, this won't allow me to place the image on a website and have the negative (white) space be transparent. My intent is to have whatever background I place it over to be seen through the white areas shown (circle has no fill).  How would I do this?

[Monika Gause]

You can either use an opacity mask.

Or outline the stroke and then use e.g. the pathfinder panel to punch the rectangle from the circle.

[philips67178736]

Thank you.  I am a novice and was unable to figure out either method.  Would you mind providing some instructions?

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Use Object >Path > Outline stroke

Then select both your objects

Open Window > Pathfinder

Click on the second button in the top row

Please read the documentation.

There is a section aimed at beginners like you.

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