Expert: Amy - 5/24/2006

Question
Hi-

I have Illustrator CS2.  

I need to make a text block of about 9 letters within a horizontal
rectangle.  But I want the lower part of the rectangle to curve
upwards, with the top of the letters staying flat across.  Very
much like the "Lucasfilm" logo.  Look here:  http://
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lucasfilm.jpg

I can't figure out how to manipulate the text to do this.  I tried
using envelope distort, but I'm having trouble grouping
properly.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!  thank you.

Answer
Hi Mike.

I don't actually own a copy of CS, so I'm afraid I don't know much about specific CS text warping effects, like envelope.

I do my text warping in PhotoShop 7.0 and copy the paths to AI and here's how I do it:

Create the text you want to distort and hit ENTER

Go to Layer>Type>Warp Text.

From Menu, choose:
- Arc Lower
- check [ ] horizontal
- Set the Bend to NEGATIVE 50-ish
- leave the other 2 things at 0.

When it looks right, choose Layer>Type>Convert to Shape.

Use the Path Selection tool (A) and SHIFT to select all the letters (anchor points should appear as you select them) and COPY.

Then switch to Illustrator and PASTE.

That MIGHT help you - I hope it does!

Have a great day!
Amy Pace