How to Use the Envelope Distort Tool in Adobe Illustrator
Posted on 16th June 2023
Introduction
The Envelope Distort tool in Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool that can be used to create a variety of effects. In this tutorial, we will learn how to use the Envelope Distort tool to create a simple text effect.
Step 1
First, let’s create a new document in Adobe Illustrator. We’ll make our document 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches high, and we’ll set the Resolution to 300 pixels/inch.
Step 2
Next, we’ll create some text. For this tutorial, we’ll use the word “Illustrator” in all caps. We’ll make our text 2 inches tall, and we’ll set the Font to Arial Black.
Step 3
Now we’ll select our text with the Selection tool, and then we’ll go to the Object menu and choose Envelope Distort > Make With Top Object.
This will bring up the Envelope Options dialog box.
Step 4
In the Envelope Options dialog box, we’ll set the following options:
- Horizontal Scale: 50%
- Vertical Scale: 75%
- Angle: 0 degrees
- Maintain Aspect Ratio: checked
Then we’ll click the OK button.
Step 5
Now we’ll select our text with the Selection tool, and then we’ll go to the Object menu and choose Envelope Distort > Edit Envelope.
Step 6
This will bring up the Envelope Options dialog box again.
Step 7
In the Envelope Options dialog box, we’ll set the following options:
- Horizontal Scale: 75%
- Vertical Scale: 100%
- Angle: 0 degrees
- Maintain Aspect Ratio: checked
Then we’ll click the OK button.
Step 8
Now we’ll select our text with the Selection tool, and then we’ll go to the Object menu and choose Envelope Distort > Make With Warp.
This will bring up the Warp Options dialog box.
Step 9
In the Warp Options dialog box, we’ll set the following options:
- Style: Arc
- Direction: Horizontal
- Bend: 35%
- Horizontal Distortion: 0%
- Vertical Distortion: 0%
- Maintain Aspect Ratio: checked
Then we’ll click the OK button.
Step 10
Now we’ll select our text with the Selection tool, and then we’ll go to the Object menu and choose Envelope Distort > Make With Mesh.
This will bring up the Mesh Options dialog box.
Step 11
In the Mesh Options dialog box, we’ll set the following options:
- Number of Rows: 3
- Number of Columns: 3
- Maintain Aspect Ratio: checked
Then we’ll click the OK button.
Step 12
Now we’ll select our text with the Selection tool, and then we’ll go to the Object menu and choose Envelope Distort > Make With Warp.
This will bring up the Warp Options dialog box.
Step 13
In the Warp Options dialog box, we’ll set the following options:
- Style: Bulge
- Direction: Horizontal
- Bend: 35%
- Horizontal Distortion: 0%
- Vertical Distortion: 0%
- Maintain Aspect Ratio: checked
Then we’ll click the OK button.
Step 14
Now we’ll select our text with the Selection tool, and then we’ll go to the Object menu and choose Envelope Distort > Make With Mesh.
This will bring up the Mesh Options dialog box.
Step 15
In the Mesh Options dialog box, we’ll set the following options:
- Number of Rows: 3
- Number of Columns: 3
- Maintain Aspect Ratio: checked
Then we’ll click the OK button.
Step 16
Now we’ll select our text with the Selection tool, and then we’ll go to the Object menu and choose Envelope Distort > Make With Warp.
This will bring up the Warp Options dialog box.
Step 17
In the Warp Options dialog box, we’ll set the following options:
- Style: Arc
The Envelope Distort tool is a great way to add interest to your vector illustrations. Here’s how to use it:
1. Select the object you want to distort.
2. Go to the Object menu and choose Envelope Distort > Make with Top Object.
3. A new envelope object will be created on top of your selected object.
4. Use the Direct Selection tool to select the anchor points of the envelope and move them around to distort the shape of the object.
5. To apply the distortion, go to the Object menu and choose Envelope Distort > Release.
You can also use the Envelope Distort tool to create your own custom shapes. To do this:
1. Draw the shape you want to use as an envelope.
2. Select the object you want to distort.
3. Go to the Object menu and choose Envelope Distort > Make with Warp.
4. A new envelope object will be created on top of your selected object.
5. Use the Direct Selection tool to select the anchor points of the envelope and move them around to distort the shape of the object.
6. To apply the distortion, go to the Object menu and choose Envelope Distort > Release.
