Creating slices


    There are several ways to create slices in Illustrator:

    • Use the Object > Slice > Make command when you want the slice dimensions to match the boundary of an element in your artwork. If you move or modify the element, the slice area automatically adjusts to encompass the new artwork. Also use this command to create a slice that captures text and basic formatting characteristics from a text object. (See Setting slice options.)
    • Use the Slice tool, the Create from Selection command or the Create from Guides command (from the Object > Slice submenu) when you want the slice dimensions to be independent of the underlying artwork. Slices that you create in one of these ways appear as items in the Layers palette, and you can move, resize, and delete them in the same way as other vector objects.

    When you create a slice, Illustrator also slices the surrounding artwork into automatic slices to maintain the layout using a Web-based table. There are two types of automatic slices: auto slices and subslices. Auto slices account for the areas of your artwork that you did not define as a slice. Illustrator regenerates auto slices every time you add or edit slices. Subslices indicate how overlapping user-defined slices will be divided. Although subslices are numbered and display a slice symbol, you cannot select them separately from the underlying slice. Illustrator regenerates subslices and auto slices as needed while you work.

    Tip icon To extend all auto slices to the artboard boundaries and resize object-based slices to the artboard boundaries if they extend beyond it, choose Object > Slice > Clip To Artboard. For more information, see Positioning and resizing slices.

To create a slice:

  1. Do one of the following:
    • Select one or more objects on the artboard, and choose Object > Slice > Make.
    • Select the Slice tool Slice tool and drag over the area where you want to create a slice. Shift-drag to constrain the slice to a square. Alt-drag (Windows) or Option-drag (Mac OS) to draw from the center.
    • Select one or more objects on the artboard, and choose Object > Slice > Create from Selection.
    • Place guides where you want to slice the artwork, and choose Object > Slice > Create from Guides. (See Using guides.)