Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 1/27/2010

Question
I am using Illustrator 9.0 on a PC.  I am trying to create a perspective effect on an object.  Using the selection tool, I select the object.  I then select the free transform tool.  With a mouse click, I select a corner of the bounding box  Then, I hold down Shift+Alt+Ctrl (Windows) and drag.  The bounding box changes to show the result.  So far, so good.  The problem I am having is that I can't get this effect to apply.  Whether I release the mouse or the keys first, all that results is a simple scale - no perspective distortion.  What am I doing wrong?


Answer
Hi Charles,

You should always release the mouse first. If you try to release it at the same time as the keys, or let go of one of the keys first you will not get a perspective distortion only a scale.

I always find it easier to use the Effects>Distort and Transform>Free Distort. This will allow you to preview and easily change the distortion at any time.


Thanks

Kevin