Cut a Grouped Circle in Half without Extra Borders Being Created

Question

I created this intricate circle object that is made up of a group of objects.

I want to simply cut the circle and half but can't seem to get what I want.

When I use the knife tool, it kind of works but it adds extra strokes to it and I don't want.

Then tried using the pathfinder tool (minus) and I'm just I just left with the outside half- moon circle

Answer 1

Don't modify the object, create a Clipping Mask instead.

1. Draw a shape covering areas of the object you want to show
2. Select the new shape and the intricate circle objects
3. Object > Clipping Mask > Make