I encountered an issue trying to trim one path with another. Although I found a work around, it seems that a direct trim command would be extremely useful. Since I'm relatively new to Inkscape, before I run off suggesting a new feature, I would like to discuss it here. Possibly there is an easier solution than the one I found.

Referring to the drawing on the top, I wanted to trim the small path with the larger one, keeping the portion to the left. Since the paths are open, I found using Object > Clip or Cut Path often trimmed the wrong portion. More importantly, the other path was consumed in the operation. My best solution, as shown in the lower image, was to insert a circle, open the Fill & Stroke dialog and remove the fill, then move the circle so in intersects the path to be trimmed at the trim point and encompasses the portion to be kept. By comparison, I could accomplish the same thing in about 3 seconds in AutoCAD. It seems to me that operations similar to what I was trying to do happen so frequently, that a direct trim command would save a lot of time and effort. Using an AutoCAD-like trim is quite simple: you invoke the trim command, select the trim path, then select the path to be trimmed. The portion of the path closest to were you clicked is removed up to the intersection with the trimming path. It's that simple. If you know a simpler way to accomplish what I was trying to do, please post it. I didn't see anything like this on the wishlist.

Vince_B wrote:I didn't see anything like this on the wishlist.

Request for Feature Enhancement: Bug #171479 “Add TRIM and EXTEND functionality”

Consider using path operations like 'Cut Path' and 'Division':
Inkscape Manual » Paths » Path Operations

…but beware of Bug #177956 “Shapes disappear on failed Path Operations ”: if using straight 2-node lines for cutting, use the node tool first to insert either a third node or to convert the straight line segment into a curve (doesn't change geometry but adds two node handles collinear with the line segment).

I am not sure how technical your purposes are so my solution may not be useful but here itis. For trimming and cutting paths specially when it's just cutting across one line like this I use the node tool if you double-click where you want the cut it puts a node there. then shift-B, spacebar, shift-ctrl-k, and you have two paths.

~suv wrote:Consider using path operations like 'Cut Path' and 'Division':

Sorry, that's already your current workflow (cut path with circle snapped to intersection).

I sometimes use a combination of your and druban's method: snap a guide to the path intersection, then switch to the node tool to insert a node close to the intersection and drag it to snap to the guide origin, then break apart the path.

Another method for trimming straight lines: in the node tool, drag a node along the node handle using 'Ctrl+Alt+left mouse' and use a snap target for the intersection (Note: snap to path intersection does not allow to snap to the current path itself - use either a guide or an additional path to mark the intersection).

~suv, thank you for pointing out that this is indeed on the wish list.

druban, it took me a half-hour of searching to figure out what your key combination did. However, it was worth it as I now understand and plan to use it for trimming operations until the real thing comes along.

Vince_B wrote:druban, it took me a half-hour of searching to figure out what your key combination did.

Oops! Another poorly documented tip from me ... Sorry!

I'll support that!