Transforming and Distorting Objects > Transforming objects > Transforming objects freely |
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Transforming objects freely
You can use transformation handles to freely transform objects, including text blocks, and to combine a series of transformations. You can also use the transformation handles to transform an object within a group or a paste inside, or to transform a point within a selected path.
If transformation handles don't appear when you double-click an object, you can display them using Preferences.
To display transformation handles:
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Choose Edit > Preferences. Click General. |
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Select Double-Click Enables Transform Handles and click OK. |
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To transform freely:
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Select the Pointer tool. |
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Double-click the object you want to transform. |
If the object is selected, you can also choose Modify > Transform > Activate Handles. To disable the transformation handles, double-click away from the selection. |
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Eight transformation handles appear around the selection and a double-circle appears at the selection's center point. |
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Moving the Pointer tool over and around the selection changes the cursor to indicate which transformation function is available. |
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Drag the handles to transform the selection, as follows: |
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To move the selection, position the pointer over the object within the selection rectangle, and drag the object to a new position. Do not drag the center point. |
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To set the center of rotation, drag the center point to a new location. |
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To rotate the selection, position the pointer just outside a transformation handle and drag. |
Shift-drag to rotate in 45° increments. |
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To scale the selection, position the pointer on a transformation handle, and drag. |
Shift-drag to resize proportionally. |
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To skew the selection, position the pointer on the dotted outline between the transformation handles and drag. |
Shift-drag to constrain the skew horizontally or vertically. |
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To copy the selection as you transform it, click and hold a handle, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) and drag the handle. A plus (+) sign next to the cursor indicates copying. |
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To transform an object within a group or inside a clipping path:
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Click the Pointer tool. |
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Double-click the group or clipping path to activate the transformation handles, and drag to transform it. |
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Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Macintosh) to subselect the object you want to transform. The object's transformation handles will be activated. |
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Press Tilde (~) to superselect objects in the group or clipping path without moving the center point. |
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To transform selected points within a path:
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Double-click a point to activate transformation handles for the entire selection, and drag to transform it. |
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Press Tilde (~) to activate transformation handles for the entire path without moving the center point. |
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