Trouble distorting text using Envelope feature in CS

[BrianLudka@adobeforums.com]

Hoping someone can answer this question. I am using Adobe Illustrator CS and trying to distort some text with a shape I created. Problem is once distorted the text comes out skewed to the right. I followed the steps of placing the text behind the shape, then Object: Envelope Distort: Make with Top Object. The shape itself basically has the top and sides straight and the bottom curved in. I would like to have my logo appear like many on current packages like Kellogs Nutri-Grain. I hope I am explaining this thoroughly. I would like the text to be vertical not skewed or slanted to the right with the bottom curved following the shape.

There is a tutorial on Adobes website titled "Enveloping magic: Using envelopes to shape meshes". An example of what I am trying to do with text in included in this tutorial.

Any guidance would sure be appreciated.

[James_E._Talmage@adobeforums.com]

First off, why not just use Effect>Warp>ArcBottom?

Regarding Envelopes, the thing you have to realize is, the control handles of an Envelope path affect the distortion of the contents, not just the shape of the Envelope. This means that the handles of the curved bottom of your Envelope have to be perfectly symmetrical in order to avoid the unwanted distortion of the text verticals.

Try this:

1) Draw a circle. Rotate it 45 degrees.

2) DirectSelect the top segment (not a point). Cut. Delete what is left. Paste. Now you have a quarter-circle with symmetrical handles.

3) Pen: Click one end of the arc. ShiftClick directly above it, ShiftClick Directly to the right, and directly above the right endpoint. Click the other endpoint to close the path. (SmartGuides is a big help in drawing such shapes.)

4) Set your text. Make sure the path is in the front. Object>EnvelopeDistort>MakeUsingTopObject.

Depending on the text, you'll still notice some slight slanting of the verticals. DirectSelect the top bottom left points to see why. You'll see that the top corner's horizontal handle is a little farther to the right than the inboard handle of the bottom point. If you take measures to align these two handles vertically (and do the same for the other side), you'll straighten the verticals of the distorted artwork.

JET

[BrianLudka@adobeforums.com]

Thank you James!

This helps tremendously.