How to make trapezoids?

Question

I'm pretty new to Illustrator and can't seem to find a good way to make trapezoids (something I will need to create often). I have tried using the line tool and drawing out each leg to the exact sizes I need, but that is not very easy or efficient. I have also tried making a rectangle and then using the sheer tool to slope the legs as needed. That way is very limiting as you can not slope the legs in opposite directions and two of the sides have to be parallel to each other.

Is there a better way to do it?

Thanks,

Keith

Mike_Gondek10189183 · Accepted Answer

Draw a rectangleSwitch to the hollow(Direct) select toolDrag an drop a selection over 2 corners of your rectangle (2 selected vector points will be solid, the hollow ones are not selected and remain stationary)Switch to scale tool, hold down shift and scaleNudge your selection if needed

Jacob Bugge · Answer

Keith,Or, if you wish to move single Anchor Points by specific amounts based on known side lengths, you may (presuming a longer bottom segment and oppositely slanting side segments, and your deselecting/switching to the Direct Selection Tool after creating the rectangle):1a) Create a rectangle as long as the top segment:1b) Direct Select the lower right corner, Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+M, and apply value,1c) Repeat 1b) for the lower left corner with - sign.2a) Create a rectangle as long as the bottom segment:2b) Direct Select the upper left corner, Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+M, and apply value,2c) Repeat 2b) for the upper right corner with - sign.3a) Create a rectangle as long as the average of the top and bottom segments:3b) Direct Select the lower right corner, Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+M, and apply value,3c) Direct Select the upper left corner and Ctrl/Cmd+D to just repeat 3b).

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