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Sofia35518337rlkx
Participating Frequently
June 5, 2024
Answered

What happened to the "Free distort" function?

  • June 5, 2024
  • 2 replies
  • 1834 views

What happened to the "free distort" function?

There was a time (and a huge number of videos testify it) when pressing the "Free Transform Tool" Illustrator presented you with four other command button, among them the "free distort" function that allowed you to move the handles of your shape to distort it and create custom perspectives af whatever. 

Now, when you press the "Free Trasform Tool" nothing happens, and the function in itself is almost useless, it only scales or rotates the shape. 

Also the shortkeys that should work on that tool according to Adobe documentation, clearly do not work.

If you look at the "Effect" menu, you can find a "Free Distort" command.

"Good" you could think! 

No, think it again, beacause the functionality provided is ridiculous: a small window appears where you have to move the handlers to distort the shape. In a small window! Obviously the former (true) "Free Distort" function was different: you were able to change directly the shape of an object by moving the handlers on the target destiantion, now you may only go by trial an error working on a stupid litte dialog!

Unbelivable! Anyone knows why Adobe decided to allow such a shameful regress? How could that happen?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Ton Frederiks

    The Free Transform tool (F) is still there, but the panel with options can easily be hidden behind other floating panels.

    What you call the new crap is actually the very old crap and is indeed in need for some updating.

    2 replies

    Ton Frederiks
    Community Expert
    Ton FrederiksCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    June 5, 2024

    The Free Transform tool (F) is still there, but the panel with options can easily be hidden behind other floating panels.

    What you call the new crap is actually the very old crap and is indeed in need for some updating.

    S
    Sofia35518337rlkxAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    June 5, 2024

    ...gosh, you are right, I feel very stupid! It was placed behind the main tool panel :-

    S
    Sofia35518337rlkxAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    June 5, 2024

    Good to hear that helped. And don't feel stupid, you are not the first one to whom this happened.


    Thank you for your kind help! Have a nice day.

    Doug A Roberts
    Community Expert
    Doug A RobertsCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 5, 2024
    quote

    There was a time (and a huge number of videos testify it) when pressing the "Free Transform Tool" Illustrator presented you with four other command button, among them the "free distort" function that allowed you to move the handles of your shape to distort it and create custom perspectives af whatever. 


    By @Sofia35518337rlkx

     

    You mean this?

     

    It hasn't gone anywhere. Do you have an object selected? Can you show your workspace with the free transform tool active?

     

    The free distort effect is a different function, not a replacement, and isn't new by a long stretch.

    S
    Sofia35518337rlkxAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    June 5, 2024

    Sure, here goes my screenshot!

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