6 Replies Latest reply: Mar 15, 2010 1:47 PM by Doug Katz RSS

    parallel wavy lines

    badchess Community Member

      I have a background that is to be made up of parallel wavy lines.

       

      I drew two horizental straight lines.

      Applied zig zag filter (with curved edges)

      Applied the blend tool with 135 steps.

       

      However the spacing between the lines is not constant.

      Is there a way to get two curved lines always the same distance apart?

       

       

      I looked for an answer, but didn't actually find one here.  CS3.

        • 1. Re: parallel wavy lines
          Larry G. Schneider CommunityMVP

          Use the Transform panel and make copies of one original line using Move and specifying the distance you want.

          • 2. Re: parallel wavy lines
            Jacob Bugge CommunityMVP

            badchess,

             

            You may create and use an Artbrush from two horizontal rectangles (of arbitrary length) with the desired thickness (corresponding to Stroke Weight) set apart with the desired vertical distance; drag them to the New Brush button in the Brushes palette/panel and select Artbrush, just use defaults.

             

            Any path using the brush will show as two equidistant paths, one on either side of the actual path.

             

            Or you may use the Appearance palette/panel: in the flyout Add New Stroke, set the Stroke Weight of the lower stroke to the total width and that of the upper stroke to the desired distance, and turn the latter white.

            • 3. Re: parallel wavy lines
              Skullmaker Community Member

              Hello Badchess,

               

              One thing I do, is to make all the lines I want in a pre-determine space. Then I select all the lines and I use "Vertical Distribute Space" tool (located in "Align" window), This will set all the spaces evenly.

               

              Please note that CS3 bug does not allow you to use this feature from the main menu, you have to use the Align Window.

               

              Picture 1.png

               

              I hope this helps!

              • 4. Re: parallel wavy lines
                Wade_Zimmerman Community Member

                Larry has it right mae one line give it the zigzag effect you want then use the Transform effect Under Effect>Distort and Transform
                and specify the number of copies.

                 

                Screen shot 2010-03-15 at 2.54.12 PM.png

                • 5. Re: parallel wavy lines
                  Jacob Bugge CommunityMVP

                  badchess,

                   

                  There seems to be two interpretations here: should the distance be the same aligned to Page (same displacement vertically/horizontally or the like, as in a wavy pattern) or aligned to Path (same distance perpendicular to the paths, as in a railway track)?

                  • 6. Re: parallel wavy lines
                    Doug Katz Community Member

                    The irregular spacing is a function of the live effect. Blending isn't perfect under these circumstances. If you make a symbol of the zig-zag path, then duplicate, then blend, you shouldn't have the problem. Alternatively, you can expand the path, duplicate, then blend.

                     

                    Or you can just listen to Wade. Which never fails by the way.