What is how to crop in illustrator?

Cropping in Adobe Illustrator differs from cropping in raster-based programs like Photoshop. Illustrator utilizes vector graphics, so rather than directly cutting pixels, you typically use clipping masks to achieve the visual effect of cropping. Here's a breakdown:

• Using Clipping Masks: The most common and recommended method. Create a shape (rectangle, circle, custom path) that defines the area you want to keep visible. Place this shape above the objects you want to "crop." Select both the shape and the objects. Then, go to Object > Clipping Mask > Make (or use the shortcut Cmd/Ctrl + 7). This effectively hides everything outside the clipping mask shape. The original objects are still there and can be edited later.

• Crop Image (Legacy feature for raster images): This is a legacy feature, mainly for working with placed raster images (e.g., JPEGs, PNGs). Select the embedded or linked raster image. Go to Object > Crop Image. Illustrator will switch to a cropping mode where you can adjust the crop area. This is a more destructive method than clipping masks, as it permanently modifies the raster image data within Illustrator. This method is not suitable for vector graphics.