Expert: Amy - 3/16/2006

Question
How do you create the type effect that is commonly seen in the Star Wars credits, i.e. it seems to be in perspective. I have tried to create this effect in Illustrator version 8.0 without success, would you be able to advise.
Thanks
Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

That's done using the Free Distort Effect. v9 has it. I think v8 does, too.

Create your text and select it. Do not convert to outlines.
Choose Effect>Distort & Transform>Free Distort.

You'll see your text in the preview panel.

Grab and pull the two lower anchor points outward (mimicking perspective).  Note: For some reason, sometimes when I have Preview selected over on the right-side there, I can't grab the anchor points. When I uncheck it, it works fine again.

If you wish to Convert to Outlines after this, you have to do an Object>Expand Appearance to have the Effect stick to the text.

I hope this helped?  Let me know if you need more details.

-Amy Pace