Apply the Zigzag Effect to an Object in Adobe Illustrator CS6

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Video: Apply the Zigzag Effect to an Object in Adobe Illustrator CS6

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You're watching VisiHow. This tutorial will show you how to add the "Zig Zag" effect to an object in Adobe Illustrator CS6 in Windows 7.

1. 1
   In this video, Adobe Illustrator and a document are opened

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   Within the document, there are three objects: the blue background rectangle, the yellow circle, and the yellow rectangle.

   

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2. 2
   Come to the top left-hand side of your tool bar and click the black arrow, or "Selection Tool"

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3. 3
   Then, come back to your canvas and click the object you want to edit

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   It is recommended to use other selection tools if you have more complicated objects. There are other VisiHow tutorials on how to do that. Once you've selected the object, a blue frame with corners will appear. It means that the object is selected and ready for editing.

   

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4. 4
   Next, click "Effect" at the top of the window

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5. 5
   Move the cursor to "Distort & Transform" under "Illustrator Effects"

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6. 6
   Click "Zig Zag..."

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   A small dialogue box will appear.

   

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7. 7
   You can move the dialogue box to the side by clicking and dragging its border

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8. 8
   Before you change anything, check the "Preview" button in the bottom-left corner of the box

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   Now, even before applying the changes, the "Zig Zag" effect will appear on the object.

   

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9. 9
   Start by editing the "Size" value of "Zig Zag" by moving the scroller to the left and right

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   Alternatively, type the size in the box next to it.

   

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10. 10
    Then, you can choose between "Relative" and "Absolute"

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    Both make quite a dramatic difference to the object. "Absolute" is more subtle.

    

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11. 11
    Next, you can adjust how many ridges you will have per segment by adjusting the "Ridges per segment" scroller

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    Alternatively, you can type the value as with "Size".

    

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12. 12
    Finally, you can choose whether your points should be "Smooth" or "Sharp"

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    "Smooth" gives a wavy line. "Sharp" gives sharp corners.

    

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13. 13
    Once you're satisfied with your settings, simply click "OK" to apply the changes to your object

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This concludes our tutorial showing you how to add the "Zig Zag" effect to an object in Adobe Illustrator CS6 in Windows 7. If you have any questions or comments regarding this video or the program used, then just add them to the comment section below. Thank you for choosing VisiHow!

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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