freehand crop a PDF image that is irregular shape using illustrator

[defaultexi0ql1lq9ff]

Hi, 

I have multiple images created either as PDF or SVG files. They are irregular shapes and I need to freehand crop the whitespace so that I can then assemble the multiple images into a single A4 space. I have Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop but can find no instructions to use either for this purpose.

It seems like it would be a common requirement....

[Chad Chelius · Accepted solution]

Draw a path on top of the artwork that you want to crop in the shape that you want. Now select that shape (make sure it's on top in the stacking order), along with the artwork that you want to crop and choose Object > Clipping Mask > Make.

[defaultexi0ql1lq9ff]

Thanks Chad. Just to clarify the terminology "draw a path". So use 'place' to insert the first image (pdf or svg) into the blank A4 canvas, then 'draw a path' - which tool does this refer too. Much appreciate your help. Jamie

[sishamIAGD · Accepted solution]

this should help: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/clipping-masks.html

[defaultexi0ql1lq9ff]

Thanks, will this deal with PDF image files as well as SVG?

[John Mensinger · Accepted solution]

File formats don't convey enough specific information. Both of them you mention support raster image and vector graphic data; alone and mixed. We would have to know the exact content of the files. If they include only vectors, there is no concern for unwanted "white," as that would only apply to raster images.

If you can post screen shots with the Layers panel expanded and in view, more specific answers and instuction will be possible.

[defaultexi0ql1lq9ff]

Thank you again for your reply. The PDF is created from a single graph created in a statistical program environment (R) by using library(corrplot) and library(RColorBrewer).

When that PDF is opened by Ai - I get the following info in layers as per screen shot

[John Mensinger]

Okay, there are no raster elements apparent in your screenshot, however, not all the sublayers are visible. I apologize for asking you to repeat, but could you do the same again, but Select All (Ctrl/Cmd+A) before capturing the image?

[defaultexi0ql1lq9ff]

Hi John, there are thousands of small identical elements - which appear as sublayers - they are all identical in nature. Thanks