Bending Vectors

[Jason_The_Adams]

Something I've wrestled with throughout my time in Adobe work, is how to create a symmetrical vector distortion. Say, for example, I create a rounded rectangular vector, which goes straight up and down. But then I want to cause a bend in the vector that gives it a sort of wave shape. This can be done manually, but is often frustrating, tedious, and annoying to get the top part and bottom parts of the wave to be perfectly symmetrical. A workaround is to do half, then copy and flip the other half.

Still, this seems a rather complicated means to a simple vector design; I couldn't help but figure that there must be a simpler method. Anyone mind enlightening me on this technique? Note: I don't mind if the technique is done in PS or Illustrator.

Thanks!

[doubrovski]

Hello,
- Pull down "Edit > Transform Path > Warp"
- In the Options bar, select distortion style (eg. "Flag" or "Budge") and adjust "Bend" amount

[Jason_The_Adams]

Thanks for the suggestion, but that's not really what I'm talking about - although that does certainly have its uses. Take this XM/Sirius merger (http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/xm-sirius-merger.gif) graphic, for example. What would be the most effective means to come up with a vector for the bent XM sound waves? Would it be done from distorting a straight, vertical rounded rectangle vector? Or designed from scratch with the bend in mind?

I hope this helps to clarify a bit further.

[Celeste]

I think doing this kind of stuff is much easier in Illustrator. Just use the Pen tool to create a bezier curve with 3 points. Give the curve a thick stroke (16 pts or whatever) with a round cap and no fill. Then when you get all the lines duplicated, sized and spaced, make sure they all have the same stroke weight and then select them all, go to OBJECT>PATH>OUTLINE STROKE. Now you can fill the shape with your fill color or gradient or whatever.