Beginner: How to create a wavy rectangle?

[okml]

Hi, how do I make a wavy rectangle like in the picture (pink) above? I tried using Zig-Zag but it turned everything wavy (yellow) instead of just the sides.

[Jacob Bugge]

okml,

One way for the identical sides case shown is to create one wave side as an open path with the Pen Tool or whatever, then Alt/OptionClickDrag it to the desired position of the opposite side, then join them; you can deselect and SkiftClickDrag over the relevant end Anchor Points or ShiftClick each with the Direct Selection Tool and Ctrl/Cmd+J, then select the whole path and Ctrl/Cmd+J again; there are also other ways.

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

As Jacob said, there are other ways.

Aplly the Zig Zag effect to a rectangle (like you showed for the yellow shape).

Direct select and delete 2 opposite sides

Object > Expand Appearance.

While stil selected: Object > Path > Join.

Repeat

[Jacob Bugge]

Ton,

To get an easy regular wavy line, your Zig Zag is the better/obvious choice, but I would delete the ends segments first, to be able to see the effect right away (preview ticked/unticked).

[TeresaB831]

How do you "delete the end segments first"?

[Jacob Bugge]

Teresa,

For each end segment, deselect (you can click an empty spot) and Click the segment once with the Direct Selection Tool.

[Kurt Gold]

You can also just draw a fat straight stroked line and apply Zig Zag to it.

[edgrimley]

With a rectangle use Envelope distort- Make with Warp. Use the Flag style. Copy and join them together.

[Jacob Bugge]

Indeed, Kurt.