Working with Graphic Objects > Transforming objects > Distorting objects |  |

Distorting objects

When you apply a Distort transformation to a selected object, dragging a corner handle or an edge handle on the bounding box moves the corner or edge and realigns the adjoining edges. Shift-dragging a corner point tapers the object—that is, it moves that corner and the adjoining corner an equal distance and opposite direction from each other. The adjoining corner is the corner opposite the direction you drag. Control-dragging (Windows) or Command-dragging a middle point on an edge moves the entire edge freely.

Distorting by edge, corner, and taper, respectively

You can distort graphic objects by using the Distort command. You can also distort objects when freely transforming them. See Transforming objects freely.

Note: The Distort command cannot modify symbols, bitmaps, video objects, sounds, gradients, object groups, or text. If a multiple selection contains any of these, only the shape objects are distorted. To modify text, first convert the characters to shape objects.

To distort graphic objects:

1 | Select a graphic object or objects on the Stage.
2 | Choose Modify > Transform > Distort.
3 | Place the pointer on one of the transformation handles and drag.
4 | To end the transformation, click outside the selected object or objects.