Transforming and Distorting Objects > Distorting objects |
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Distorting objects
You can distort objects by using Xtra tools to add points, roughen points, or curve them in a concave or convex shape. You can also create an envelope and distort the envelope to warp or distort the graphics and text within. In addition, you can create patterns from distortions.
Distortions cannot be applied to bitmap images.
To add points to a selected object or path:
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Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Operations. |
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Do one of the following to add a point between every pair of points on the path: |
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Click the Add Points button on the Xtras Operations toolbar.
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Choose Xtras > Distort > Add Points.
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Added Points |
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To distort a selected object manually:
1 |
Choose Window > Toolbars > Xtra Tools toolbar. |
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Click the tool corresponding to the desired effect, as follows: |
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Roughen creates a jagged effect.
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Fisheye Lens creates a concave or convex effect.
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Bend creates a bloated or spiked effect.
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3 |
Drag applies the distortion to the selection. |
Note: These distortions can create complex paths that may increase file size. |
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To roughen a selected path or object precisely:
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Double-click the Roughen button in the Xtra Tools toolbar to display the tool's dialog box. |
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For Amount, enter the number of points added per inch, from 0 to 100. |
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For Edge, select Rough to use corner points to create a jagged edge or Smooth to use curve points to create a smooth, hand-drawn distorted edge. |
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Click OK. |
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Click anywhere on the path and drag. Dragging farther from the path makes the path rougher.
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Note: To apply this effect to text, first select the text and choose Text > Convert to Paths.
To apply a precise fisheye lens effect to a selected path or object:
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Double-click the Fisheye Lens button in the Xtra Tools toolbar to display the tool's dialog box. |
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For Perspective, enter an amount or drag the slider between Concave (-100) or Convex (100). The preview shows the amount of distortion.
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Click OK. |
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To bend or bloat a selected path or object:
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Double-click the Bend tool in the Xtra Tools toolbar. |
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Enter a value or drag to slider for the amount of distortion, between 0 and 10. The higher the value, the greater the distortion. |
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Click OK. |
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Click the mouse button to set the center point for the distortion and drag. |
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Drag up for a spiked effect, curving the path inward while the anchor points are moved outward. |
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Drag down for a bloated effect, curving the path outward while the anchor points are moved inward.
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