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kissfrito@yahoo.com
kissfrito@yahoo.com
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Create Custom Elipse

May 22, 2012 10:13 PM

Tags: #illustrator #mac #cs6 #elipse

Hi, I'm brand new to Illustrator and I'm using it so I can add lettering to some comics I've created. I have two questions that I hope you might be able to answer for me:

 

1) I'm trying to do is to create an elipse that has less steep curves at its corners (essentially making it a little more rectangular). I realize that if you create an elipse, then use the direction tool, you can pull on the guidelines to make the curves less steep and achieve the affect I want. However, I was wondering, is there a feature when I can just enter in an amount and it will adjust all four corners to that amount without me having to fineagle with the direction tool?

 

2) Is it possible to create my own custom type of elipse where when I use the elipse tool, and drag it out to make an elipse, it will already have these corners that I'd like?

 

Thanks.

785 Views   9 Replies   Latest reply: JETalmage, May 24, 2012 9:54 AM
 
Replies
  • Wade_Zimmerman
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    1. Wade_Zimmerman,
    May 22, 2012 10:35 PM   in reply to kissfrito@yahoo.com
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    You can try this

     

    1. select the rounded rectangle tool and click it in your document window and then enter the amoun of radius yo want on the corners.

     

    2. Go to Effectrs>Warp>Bulge and give it a horizontal bulge

     

    3. return to Effects>Warp>Bulge nd give it a vertical bulge.

     

    Screen Shot 2012-05-23 at 1.26.41 AM.png

     

    Screen Shot 2012-05-23 at 1.27.29 AM.png

     

    this cn also be done with the Object>Envelope Distort>make witth Warp>Bulge

     
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  • kissfrito@yahoo.com
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    2. kissfrito@yahoo.com,
    May 22, 2012 10:43 PM   in reply to Wade_Zimmerman
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    Thanks Wade. I'd prefer to do it with the elipse tool though as it gives me more of the look I need. Any possible way to automatically make a shape like this using elipse?

     
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  • Wade_Zimmerman
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    3. Wade_Zimmerman,
    May 22, 2012 10:45 PM   in reply to Wade_Zimmerman
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    You can do something similar with an envelope distort but it is more manual and takes a little getting use to.

     

    Screen Shot 2012-05-23 at 1.44.21 AM.png

     
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  • kissfrito@yahoo.com
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    4. kissfrito@yahoo.com,
    May 22, 2012 10:51 PM   in reply to Wade_Zimmerman
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    Is there no way to enter values so I can make sure that I'm adjusting it proportionally rather than having to eye ball it?

     
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  • Wade_Zimmerman
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    5. Wade_Zimmerman,
    May 22, 2012 10:55 PM   in reply to kissfrito@yahoo.com
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    I will have to think anout using the ellipse tool it might be possible. There might be a plug in around that does this but I do not know it!

     
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  • Wade_Zimmerman
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    6. Wade_Zimmerman,
    May 22, 2012 11:10 PM   in reply to kissfrito@yahoo.com
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    Make your ellipse you might have to resize it after this adjustment.

     

    Alsowith a warp but this time the inflate filter.

     

    Screen Shot 2012-05-23 at 2.07.10 AM.png

     

    Screen Shot 2012-05-23 at 2.07.21 AM.png

     

    Screen Shot 2012-05-23 at 2.07.38 AM.png

     
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  • Jacob Bugge
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    7. Jacob Bugge,
    May 23, 2012 4:01 AM   in reply to kissfrito@yahoo.com
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    kissfrito,

     

    You may:

     

    1) Create a basic ellipse and and rectangle with the same width and height,

    2) Select both and Object>Path>Add Anchor Points,

    3) Object>Blend>Options, select a suitable number of steps,

    4) Object>Blend>Make and Object>Ungroup,

    5) Select the best shape, you may hide/delete and move.

     

    This is a 7 step blend for a W/H with a proportion of 4/3, and the second step (one quarter from the ellipse to the rectangle) is shown along with the basic elleipse and the rectangle and by itself:

     

     

     
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  • emil emil
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    8. emil emil,
    May 23, 2012 7:05 AM   in reply to kissfrito@yahoo.com
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    Another way:

    1. Draw an ellipse,

    2. Select the top and bottom points  - making a selection box with the white pointer encompassing the points makes this quick.

    3. Pick the Scale tool (S), hold Shift and drag horizontally until you like the result. Further away from the ellipse you drag, finer the control.

     

    edit: Alternatively for step 3, with the Smart Guides turned on, you can first click with the Scale tool in the Center of the ellipse and then drag one of the left or right points horizontally - no need to hold Shift if you follow the horizontal line of the Smart Guides

     
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  • JETalmage
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    9. JETalmage,
    May 24, 2012 9:54 AM   in reply to kissfrito@yahoo.com
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    There is no such option specifically for the Ellipse tool. If you want to make it happen automatically anytime you drag a new ellipse with the Ellipse tool, it needs to be applied as a live effect, and the option New Art Has Basic Appearance needs to be off. But this will not affect just the Ellipse tool.

     

    You could store the desired Appearance (including the Inflate effect) as a Graphic Style. Then you could apply it with one click after drawing an ellipse, while working with New Art Has Basic Appearance turned on.

     

    Alternatively, you could avoid live effects altogether by doing this:

     

    Ellipse Tool: ShiftDrag to draw a circle. Then perform these steps while recording an Action:

     

    1. Select>Object>Object Handles

    2. DoubleClick the Scale Tool. Enter 110% (for example) into the Uniform field. Click OK.

    3. Select>Deselect.

     

    Now use the Ellipse tool to draw an ellipse of any aspect ratio (circular, horizontal, vertical). Run the Action. Only run the Action on one ellipse at a time.

     

    Like the Inflate Warp Effect, the treatment will have a consistent appearance on the variously proportioned ellipses.

     

    JET

     
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