In this tutorial we will learn how to distort an object using Envelope Distortion in Illustrator.
Step-1
Create a text in a type you desire. I have used the font Myriad Pro Black. Then go to the Type Menu > Create Outlines to convert the text to shapes.
Step-2
Pick the Rectangle tool and make a box around the text in which the text fits in. Make sure that the fill is empty and the stroke colour is set to black.
Step-3
Navigate to Objects menu > Envelope Distort > Make with Top Object. This helps to contain the text inside the box so that you can distort the overall shape.
Step-4
In order to distort the shape, choose the Direct Select Tool from the tool bar and select any point in the shape and drag around the handles that extend out.
Step-5
After distorting the shape, you need to get back to the outlines. For this, choose the object, go to the Object menu > Expand. A dialog box will appear where by default, the Object and Fill will be checked.
Note: Once you have expanded the object you won’t be able to distort the shape unless you place it inside another envelope object. When you are ready to expand the object, make a copy of that object and then expand. If you need to go back and change the distortion you have a spare.
Step-6
Now you can make changes to the colour and style of the object as you like.
