Warping and Distorting Shapes

Warping and Distorting Shapes

Learn how to customize your shapes with the Warp Options Panel. 

When to use

Great for making more complex shapes as well as fitting type into a shape. 

Instructions

Ways to Arc shapes

• Go to Object Menu > Envelop Distort > Make with Warp.
• In the Warp Options Panel, select the style of warp. 
• You can adjust the amount of horizontal or vertical distortion in each warp as well as the bend. 

How to release the warp in a shape

• Go to Object Menu > Envelop Distort > Release. 

How to create a wave 

• Go to Object Menu > Envelop Distort > Make with Mesh.
• Enter the desired number of rows or columns.
• Use the Direction Selection Tool (A) to click and drag around an entire column, hold the Shift Key, and move the points up or down. 
• Select a new column and move the points around to finish the wave.

Create a fisheye text shape

• Select the Type Tool by pressing 'T' on the keyboard, and type out a word. 
• Use the Ellipse Tool (L) to draw out a circle over the word. 
• Select both the circle and word with the Selection Tool (V).
• Go to Object Menu > Envelop Distort >  Make with Top Object.
• To change the text inside, double-click on the shape and use the Type Tool (T) to type a different word.   
• Navigate to the upper left corner, and go back two levels to get back to the main document. 

Hints & tips

• The Warp Options Panel gives us so many ways to distort and change shapes! You can: Arc, Arc Lower, Arc Upper, Arch, Buldge, Shell Lower, Shell Upper, Flag, Wave, Fish, Rise, Fisheye, Squeeze, and Twist. 
• The shortcut for the Type Tool is 'T' on the keyboard.