Editing enveloped objects and envelope shapes


    You can edit an envelope shape or the enveloped object, but not both at the same time.

    Tip iconWhen editing text inside an envelope, turn on Smart Guides to help while typing.

    Original warp envelope (left) compared to editing a path within the envelope after choosing Edit Contents command (right).
    Original warp envelope (left) compared to editing a path within the envelope after choosing Edit Contents command (right).

To edit the original object in an envelope:

  1. Select the enveloped object.
  2. Choose Object > Envelope Distort > Edit Contents.
  3. The Layers palette displays a small triangle to the left of the <Envelope> entry so that you can access the contents. (See Using the Layers palette.)

  4. Target the original object in the layers palette, and then edit it.
  5. Note: When you modify the contents of an envelope, the envelope shifts to recenter the results with the original content.

  6. To return the object to its enveloped state, choose Object > Envelope Distort > Edit Envelope.

To edit the shape of a warp envelope:

  1. Select the enveloped object.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • To change the warp options or choose a new warp style, choose Object > Envelope Distort > Reset with Warp. Choose a new warp style from the menu or change warp options, or both.
    • To convert the envelope to a mesh grid envelope, choose Object > Envelope Distort > Reset With Mesh. To keep the warp shape intact, select Maintain Envelope Shape. Specify the number of rows and columns for the mesh grid.

To edit the shape of a mesh envelope:

  1. Select the enveloped object.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • To reset the mesh grid, choose Object > Envelope Distort > Reset with Mesh. Specify the number of Rows and Columns that you want the mesh to contain, and then click OK.
    • To edit the mesh grid, drag any anchor point on the mesh grid with either the Direct Selection or Mesh tools. For information on controlling the anchor points, see Adjusting paths.
    • To delete anchor points on the mesh grid, select an anchor point with either the Direct Selection or Mesh tools, and then press Delete.
    • To add anchor points to the mesh grid, click on the grid with the Mesh tool.
    • To convert the mesh envelope to a warp shape, choose Object > Envelope Distort > Reset With Warp.