Envelope Distort with a top object that has curves with only one handle makes the contents tangled and broken
When I try to use envelope distort it makes all of the type look crazy. I have used it successfully in the past, I unchecked the distort button in options. Not sure how to solve, I restarted and reinstalled Illustrator — still not working. The attached image shows the 2 elements I am trying to distort and the bottom shows the result I get.
wendyf
shared this idea
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Ai fails here because the envelope path is built wrong. The corner points have no handles, and it means Ai has to warp the art into zero. If you want a correct distortion, you have to ensure the points that are adjacent to curved segment always have handles (see images 1 and 2).
Making curves with only one handle is a VERY BAD practice, and this is one of many cases why. A curved segment should always have two handles, not one.
Handles’ lengths define the tension of the mesh cells. When handles equal 1/3 of the segment — no 'equalized' distortion happen (see images 3 and 4).And if you make handles in the middle smaller, but enlarge those in corners, you will get 'shrinking', because Ai warps the image according to these handles (see images 5 and 6).
Handles define distortion. Poorly drawn path — bad distortion. Curves with one handle only — poorly drawn curves. Zero handles length — is like a black hole, it distorts absolutely. 'Only a Sith deals in absolutes'.
The weird glitched result you get is still a bug, so please upvote this report.
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Doug Roberts commented
Example file to replicate:
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Sorry it took me so long!
WOW.
The problem is happening! The mesh that gets generated is a weirdo! It looks like a simple one, but in fact it s a layered mix of same separated shapes. Try to Release the envelope and then to move a mesh node with the Direct selection tool to see it.
Definitely worth attention.
Thanks for the file! -
wendyf
commented
Appreciate you taking a look!
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Looks odd. Can you share the file please?
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wendyf
commented
When I use envelope distort I get all of the type going crazy. I have used this in the past, not sure why it is not working now. top image shows the 2 things I am using with envelope distort and the bottom shows what happens. It happens even if I just use one word.
