Width Eraser Tool Operation

After the Width Eraser tool is selected, its size can be changed by pressing the keys assigned to Decrease Diameter and Increase Diameter in the native Keyboard Shortcuts dialog (the left and right square bracket keys respectively, by default, for English language keyboards). While dragging with the tool, its diameter can also be changed by pressing the Left Arrow and Right Arrow keys. Smaller sizes are generally more useful, as individual width markers can be targeted without inadvertently removing adjacent markers.

When at least one path is selected, all width markers on the focal strokes of those paths will be annotated using small red or pink “bow-tie” shapes lying perpendicular to the path. Pink markers cannot be removed, because they lie at the start or end of the path, and Illustrator requires those markers to be present. 

Width Eraser Marker Annotations

To remove one or more width markers, simply drag the tool over them; their annotations will disappear as the center of each marker falls within the brush’s circle. After the mouse button is released, the path’s focal stroke will be updated with a new profile using the markers which remain.

Width Eraser Example

The Width Eraser tool has no preferences dialog.