Deform
Apply mesh deformation to the selection using a 4×4 grid of control points, 16 handles for fine control.
The Deform tool deforms the selection using a 4×4 grid of control points. With 16 handles, it gives much finer control than the four-corner Warp.
Use for stylistic distortion, simulating curved surface engraving (before applying), or correcting wavy distortions in an import.
Activate
- Hotkey: no default
- Toolbar: Modifiers Toolbar
How to use
- Select compatible objects.
- Activate the tool.
- A 4×4 grid of handles appears across the selection.
- Click and drag any handle to deform.
- Release to apply.
Modifiers and interactions
- Shift + drag: constrain horizontal motion.
- Alt + drag: constrain vertical motion. Combine with Shift for diagonal symmetry hints.
- Double-click a handle: reset it to its original position.
- Esc: cancel and restore.
Compatible object types
Same as Warp: vector_path, shape, text, polygon, star, raster_image, barcode. Locked or incompatible objects disable the tool.
Hit detection
Each handle is hit-tested within a 10 screen-pixel zone.
What gets modified
The selected objects are deformed in place via the vector service. The grid of handles defines a smooth bivariate spline, and geometry is resampled to follow it.
Result on the canvas
The selection takes on whatever shape the grid describes, gentle waves with small handle moves, dramatic distortions with large ones.
Related
- Warp, 2×2 perspective warp (simpler)
- Two-Point Rotate & Scale
- Node tool: node-level editing of the deformed path