Select one or more objects using the Selection tool.
Last updated on
Sep 11, 2025
Learn how to distort objects with envelopes in Adobe Illustrator for quick and creative reshaping of artwork.
Create the envelope using one of the following methods:
To use a preset warp shape for the envelope, select Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Warp. In the Warp Options dialog box, select your desired style and options.
- To set up a rectangular grid for the envelope, select Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Mesh. In the Envelope Mesh dialog box, set the number of rows and columns.
- To use an object as the shape of the envelope, make sure the object is on top of the other objects. If it’s not, use the Layers panel or an Arrange command to move it up, and reselect all the objects. Then select Object > Envelope Distort > Make with Top Object.
Reshape the envelope by doing any of the following:
- Drag any anchor point on the envelope with the Direct Selection or Mesh tool. Hold down the Gradient tool to reveal the Mesh tool.
- To delete anchor points on the mesh grid, select an anchor point with either the Direct Selection or Mesh tool, and then press Delete.
- To add anchor points to the mesh grid, select the grid with the Mesh tool.
Tip
To apply a stroke or fill to an envelope, use the Appearance panel.
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