- Introduction
- Understanding Vector and Raster Graphics
- Understanding Paths
- Selecting a Drawing Mode
- Creating Pixel Aligned Objects
- Creating Rectangles and Ellipses
- Creating Polygons and Stars
- Creating Line Segments
- Creating Arcs and Spirals
- Creating Grids
- Using the Shape Builder Tool
- Creating Perspective Objects
- Working with Perspective Objects
- Customizing a Perspective Grid
- Understanding Selections
- Using the Selection Tool
- Using the Direct Selection Tool
- Using the Lasso Tool
- Using the Magic Wand Tool
- Selecting and Grouping Objects
- Selecting Similar Objects
- Saving and Editing Selections
- Moving Objects
- Duplicating Objects
- Aligning and Distributing Objects
- Transforming Objects
- Using the Free Transform Tool
- Rotating and Scaling Objects
- Reflecting and Shearing Objects
- Applying Multiple Transformations
- Reshaping Objects with Envelopes
- Using the Transform Panel
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Using the Free Transform Tool
The Free Transform tool allows you to rotate, scale (resize), reflect (mirror image), shear (slant), or distort an object. In addition, you can apply perspective and distortion to an object. When you select the Free Transform tool, the free transform widget (New!) appears with button options to constrain, free transform, perspective distort, and free distort. As you drag to free transform an object, you can also use keyboard keys to alter the results of a transformation. The selected object also has a movable reference point (New!) to specify the center position of the transformation. To help you align the results the way you want, you can use Smart Guides to make it easier. Free Transform is also touch-enabled (New!), which allows those with a touch screen device to pinch and swipe for panning and zooming.
Transform an Object with the Free Transform Tool
Select the Selection tool on the Tools panel.
Select one or more objects to transform.
Select the Free Transform tool on the Tools panel.
To adjust the reference point (New!), point to the reference point (blue point, cursor changes to caret with a circle point), and then drag it.- Reset Reference Point. Double-click the reference point.
To use Smart Guides as you transform an object:- Click the View menu, and then click Smart Guides to display them or select the Transform Tools check box in Smart Guides preferences.
- As you drag to transform an object, smart guides appear, which you can use to align the transformed object.
To distort an object, click the Perspective Distort or Free Distort button on the widget to toggle it on (Highlighted icon). The Constrain button also toggles off.
To free transform an object, click the Free Transform button on the widget, and then use any of the following methods:
- Scale. Drag a corner resize handle to scale along two axes; drag a side handle to scale along one axis.
To scale proportionally, click the Constrain button on the widget to toggle it on (Lock icon) and then drag or Shift-drag. To scale from the center, hold down Alt (Win) or Option (Mac), and then drag. Also hold down Shift to scale from the center proportionally.
- Reflect. Drag a side handle all the way across the object to the other side.
- Rotate. Point slightly outside a corner handle (pointer changes to a double arrow), and then drag in a circular motion. To rotate in 45 degree increments, Shift-drag.
To rotate an object 180 degrees, drag a corner handle diagonally all the way across the object.
- Shear. Drag a side handle and then hold down Ctrl (Win) or
(Mac) as you continue to drag. To constrain the movement, also press Shift. To shear from the center, also press Alt (Win) or Option (Mac).
- Perspective. Drag a side handle and then hold down Ctrl+Alt+Shift (Win) or +Option+Shift (Mac) as you continue to drag.
- Distort. Drag a corner handle and then hold down Ctrl (Win) or (Mac) as you continue to drag.
- Scale. Drag a corner resize handle to scale along two axes; drag a side handle to scale along one axis.