Expert: Amy - 2/13/2004

Question
Hi Amy,

I was wondering if you could explain how to warp a rectangle with text in it?  What I am trying to do is this.  I am trying to make a ribbon with a rectangle and two attached ribbon end shapes.  I grouped all of these, then I typed out my text and placed it in the middle of the ribbon.  Then I turned the type into outline form.  I then grouped all of this together; at that point I tried to warp this grouped object with a warping tool that would make it look like a natural ribbon.  So far it has not worked at creating anything but a mess.  I was wondering if you know how to make an interesting ribbon with text inside of it, that flows (as if being blown by wind) where both the ribbon curves and the lettering inside of it curves.  

I hope this question is clear enough.  Thanks again for all of your help.

Best regards,

Mark Ahmed


Answer
Hi Mark,

I would draw a rectangle using the rectangle tool. Fill it and stroke it.

Then draw a line inside that rectangle using the Pen Tool, going across its entire length, towards the bottom of it.  That's going to be where your text lies (not yet). MAKE SURE THIS LINE HAS NO FILL AND NO STROKE.

Then select both those items and choose Effect > Distort & Transform > Zig Zig.

Size .14"
Absolute
4 Ridges per Segment
Smooth

That will make both objects flowy.  The use the Object > Expand appearance command to break up the effect. No visible resultsm but you have to do this in order to do the next step.

Use the Path Type tool to type on that line you drew.

Clean up the ends a little bit and there you have it.

-Amy