Expert: Amy - 2/28/2009

Question
Hi,

I'm trying to modify a rectangle (made using the rectangle tool) with the Zig
Zag effect.  However, I'd like to only apply this effect to one side of the
rectangle.  Is this possible?  If so, how?  I'm new to Illustrator CS4 and pretty
much learning through trial and error.  

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Kristin,

You have to use two rectangles to do this, really, and merge them together.

You can do a couple of things.

Very simply, if your design allows for it,  you can create a clone of the rectangle, apply the zig zag filter or effect, then superimpose it over the original rectangle in such a way that it looks like one rectangle. Will only work with solid filled rectangles, though.

Or you can create two identical rectangles, chop each in half and join the two halves back together.

Create two rectangles and position them side by side.

Apply the zig zag filter to one of them.

Then select the zig zagged one and choose Object > Expand.

Now you are going to cut each one in half (or whatever proportions you want). I couldn't tell what your final rectangle was supposed to look like from your description.

To cut in half, use the scissors tool and make a cut on the top line and bottom line of each rectangle, select half of the rectangle and delete. Now position the two partial rectangles next to each other, as accurately as you can, so that they just barely overlap.

Open the Pathfinder window.

Select both of the rectangle sides and click on the first button in the pathfinder window (add to shape) and click "expand" in the pathfinder window. You've created a new combined shape.

I hope this helps!
-Amy