Creating wavy or jagged objects


    The Zig Zag command transforms an object's path segments into a jagged or wavy array of uniformly sized peaks and valleys. You can specify the number of anchor points to create and the distance to move them. You can also choose whether to create smooth anchor points for a wavy line effect, or corner anchor points for a jagged line effect.

    Tip iconTo create jagged edges that aren't uniformly sized, use the Roughen command. (See Roughening.)

To create wavy or jagged object edges:

  1. Select the object.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • To apply the command as a filter, choose Filter > Distort > Zig Zag.
    • To apply the command as an effect, choose Effect > Distort & Transform > Zig Zag.
  3. To set the number of ridges per path segment, enter a value in the text box.
  4. Either select Relative to move points by a percentage of the size of the object or Absolute to move points a specific amount.
  5. To set the length between peaks and valleys, enter a value in the Size text box.
  6. Select any of the following options:
    • Smooth to create smooth transitions, resulting in a wavy line.
    • Corner to create sharp transitions, resulting in a jagged line.
    • Preview to preview the line.