The Envelope Modifier

description: In this tutorial you will learn to use the Envelope Modifier.

Files: None

step 1: Draw a shape on the stage (the one I'm using has no stroke). (Figure A)

step 2: Navigate to Modify > Transform > Envelope. (Figure B)

step 3: You can also access it via the Free Transform Tool's Options (Figure B2)

step 4: You will see the familiar transform handles plus a number of new circular handles (Figure C)

step 5: Move your cursor near a handle a notice how the cursor changes. (Figures D, E)

step 6: Click and drag. (Figures F, G)

step 7: Click and drag on the Bezier handle to adjust the curve. (Figures H, I)

step 8: Experiment some more to get a feel for the tool. (Figure J)

step 9: If you haven't yet tried to modify a corner... (Figure K)

step 10: Click and drag. (Figure L)

step 11: If you happen to click away and reselect the transform box resets to a rectangle. (Figure N)

step 12: Reselect the Envelope Modifier to activate the extra handles. (Figure O)

step 13: Had enough of transformations? Proceed to The Brush Tool.