The Cut Track function allows sections of track paths to be removed between two cut lines.
This function can also be used with the Insert Bus Route mode to re-edit parallel tracks after they have been added.
Shortcuts
Default Keys: None
Default Menu: Edit
Command: Cut Track
How to Cut Track
-
Select the Cut Track option from the Edit menu. You will notice the cursor change to the Cut Track “scissors” cursor.
-
Before you select the tracks to cut you can right click the mouse to use the context menu to Change Layer to the layer containing the tracks to be cut. Select an electrical layer, or select “Through Board” to cut tracks an any layer. The chosen layer will be displayed on the status bar at the bottom of the screen.
-
Use two left mouse clicks to define the start and end points of the first cut line, or drag the cursor to define the cut line. The position of the second point will be restricted to make the angle of the line a multiple of 45 degrees.
All track paths that cross the first cut line will be highlighted indicating they are available to be cut.
-
A second dynamic cut line will be displayed at the same angle and length as the first line for you to position with your cursor. You can use the Rotate option from the shortcut menu to rotate this line in 45 degree steps to align the cut perpendicular to multiple track segments that are to be cut.
Drop the second cut line over highlighted tracks to cut them between the two cut lines, or drop the second line past the end of highlighted tracks to cut them from the first cut line to their ends.
You can change layer again if the tracks you want to cut are on another layer.
If you need a different length or different angle second cut line, it can be changed by moving its centre to where you want the second cut to start and dragging the cursor to define the length and angle of the line.
-
When both cut lines have been defined the highlighted track paths will have their segments and vias between the lines removed. This will result in the track being split in two unless one of the cut lines is over the track start or end point, or beyond one of the track ends. In the second case one half of the track will be removed.
