Crop an icon, shape, or object

📝 Note: This article reflects the classic BioRender canvas. For guidance on the updated experience, check out our article on the new canvas to explore key features and updates in the latest version.

The crop tool lets you trim icons, shapes, or grouped objects to focus on specific areas or remove unnecessary parts. Cropping is especially useful when creating macro-to-micro visuals or simplifying complex illustrations. You can crop using square, circle, or custom shapes — and cropping is fully reversible.

Crop types available in BioRender

You can crop objects using three crop types:

• Square crop (default)
• Circle crop
• Custom shape crop

All crop types allow you to:

• Resize using a bounding box
• Reset your crop at any time
• Edit the cropped region later

How to use the square crop tool

The square crop is the default cropping method.

To crop using a square shape:

1. Select the icon, shape, or object you want to crop.
2. Click Crop from the top menu. A square bounding box will appear.
3. Drag the blue square handles to adjust the crop area.
4. Press Enter or click outside the object to apply the crop.

To reset or edit:

• Click Reset Crop to undo the crop.
• Double-click the icon or click Edit Crop to make adjustments.

How to use the circle crop tool

The circle crop allows you to crop in a rounded shape.

To apply a circular crop:

1. Select the object you’d like to crop.
2. Click the dropdown arrow next to Crop, then select Circle Crop.
3. Adjust the crop using the blue circular bounding box.
4. Press Enter or click outside the object to apply the crop.

To reset or edit:

• Click Reset Crop to undo the crop.
• Double-click the icon or click Edit Crop to modify the crop.

How to use the custom crop tool

The custom crop allows freeform cropping using a customizable path.

To apply a custom crop:

1. Select the object to crop.
2. Click the dropdown arrow beside Crop, then select Custom Crop.
3. Adjust the crop shape by dragging points along the bounding path.
4. Double-click a node to delete it.
5. Press Enter or click outside the object to confirm the crop.

To reset or edit:

• Click Reset Crop to revert to the original size.
• Double-click the object or select Edit Crop to adjust the shape.
• You can style the crop path using the toolbar (crop path, color, stroke, or dash).

Crop path tutorial

How to reset a cropped object

You can undo any crop and return the object to its original size.

To reset a crop:

1. Select the cropped object.
2. Click Reset Crop from the top menu.
3. The object will revert to its original size and shape.

What's next

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Need help?

1. Email: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.