Reshaping objects with envelopes


    You can apply a preset warp shape or a mesh grid to a selected object or create an envelope from the topmost object in a selection of multiple objects. You can edit any of these envelopes at any time. (See Editing enveloped objects and envelope shapes.)

To reshape an object with a preset warp shape:

  1. Select the object.
  2. Choose Object > Envelope Distort > Make With Warp.
  3. Choose a warp style from the Style pop-up menu, and then specify the options you want.

To reshape an object with a mesh grid:

  1. Select the object.
  2. Choose Object > Envelope Distort > Make With Mesh.
  3. Specify the number of rows and columns that you want the mesh to contain, and then click OK.
  4. To reshape the object, do any of the following:
    • 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.
    Object with mesh grid envelope
    Object with mesh grid envelope

To reshape an object with a different object:

  1. Select the object or group you want to reshape and also the object you want to use as the envelope. Make sure the envelope object is topmost in the stacking order.
  2. Choose Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Top Object.
  3. Note: To apply a stroke or fill to an envelope, use the Appearance palette. (See Using the Appearance palette.)

    Multiple objects before envelope distortion (left) compared to after distortion (right).
    Multiple objects before envelope distortion (left) compared to after distortion (right).