Warp Effect

Script for Adobe Illustrator

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Description

Warp Effect is an Adobe Illustrator script for applying a native, editable Warp live effect to selected artwork. It provides a focused interface for choosing a warp style, changing its orientation, and adjusting Bend, Horizontal Distortion, and Vertical Distortion while previewing the result directly on the canvas.

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Features

Warp Effect combines Illustrator’s native vector warping with practical preview, navigation, and preset tools in one compact dialog.

Native live effect: Applies Illustrator’s editable Warp effect without permanently expanding or rasterizing the selected artwork.
Fifteen warp styles: Includes Arc, Arc Lower, Arc Upper, Arch, Bulge, Shell Lower, Shell Upper, Flag, Wave, Fish, Rise, Fisheye, Inflate, Squeeze, and Twist.
Style filtering: Quickly narrows the Warp Style list using the built-in search field and clear button.
Orientation control: Switches the selected warp between Horizontal and Vertical orientation.
Detailed distortion controls: Adjusts Bend, Horizontal Distortion, and Vertical Distortion from -100% to 100% using linked scrollbars and numeric fields.
Fast value editing: Supports direct numeric entry, Up and Down Arrow adjustments, Shift-modified larger steps, reset buttons, and right-click reset on supported controls.
Live preview: Displays changes directly on the selected artwork and safely replaces the previous temporary preview after each adjustment.
Preset management: Adds, loads, renames, and deletes reusable combinations of style, orientation, bend, and distortion settings.
Persistent settings: Remembers the latest control values, preview preferences, and custom presets between script sessions.

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Installation

1. Download the Warp Effect.jsx script file.

2. Place the script in your Adobe Illustrator Scripts folder:

⮑ Mac: /Applications/Adobe Illustrator (Version)/Presets/(Language)/Scripts

⮑ Windows: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator (Version)\Presets\(Language)\Scripts

3. Restart Adobe Illustrator if it's already running

4. Access the script via File > Scripts > Warp Effect

5. Alternatively, run it directly via File > Scripts > Other Script... and browse to the file location

Tip: You can also drag and drop the .jsx file directly onto the Illustrator workspace to run the script instantly – no installation needed.

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Using the Script

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Launch the Script

Prepare the document and artwork before opening Warp Effect. The script requires an open Illustrator document and at least one selected object.

Open an Adobe Illustrator document.
Select the object or multiple objects that you want to warp.
Choose File > Scripts > Warp Effect, run it through Other Script, or drag the script onto the Illustrator workspace.
Wait for the Warp Effect dialog and initial preview to appear:

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➊ Choose a Warp Style

Select a deformation from the Warp Style list. When Preview is enabled, choosing another style immediately updates the temporary effect without changing the document zoom unless Fit in Window is checked.

Browse all 15 styles in the Warp Style list.
Enter part of a style name in the search field to filter the list.
Click the clear button beside the search field to display every style again.
Keep the desired style selected before adjusting the remaining settings.

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➋ Set the Orientation

Use the Orientation controls to determine the direction in which Illustrator constructs the warp envelope.

Choose Horizontal to warp primarily across the artwork’s horizontal axis.
Choose Vertical to rotate the warp envelope and apply it along the vertical axis.
Compare both orientations with Preview enabled to find the best direction for the selected artwork.

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➌ Adjust the Bend

Bend controls the primary strength and direction of the selected warp style. Values range from -100% to 100%.

Drag the Bend scrollbar for visual adjustment.
Enter an exact value in the numeric field.
Press the Up or Down Arrow key to change the value by one.
Hold Shift while pressing an Arrow key to change the value by ten.
Click the reset button or right-click the scrollbar to restore the Bend value to 0%.

Positive and negative Bend values curve the warp in opposite directions. The most useful amount depends on the selected style, orientation, and proportions of the artwork.

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➍ Refine the Distortion

Horizontal and Vertical Distortion skew the warp envelope independently of its main Bend value. Both controls range from -100% to 100%.

Use Horizontal to push the deformation toward the left or right.
Use Vertical to push the deformation upward or downward.
Combine both values to create asymmetrical or perspective-like results.
Enter exact values or use the scrollbars and Arrow-key controls for incremental adjustments.
Use each reset button or right-click its scrollbar to return that distortion value to 0%.

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➎ Control the Preview

Preview applies a temporary Warp effect so adjustments can be evaluated directly on the canvas. Turning Preview off removes the temporary effect, restores visible selection edges, and returns to the original document view when Fit in Window was active.

Check Preview to display live changes.
Uncheck Preview to suspend the live effect while retaining the current settings.
Fit in Window and Hide Edges are grayed out while Preview is disabled.
Re-enable Preview to resume the temporary effect and restore the retained preview options.

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➏ Manage the Canvas View

Fit in Window and Hide Edges help inspect the live result without changing the warp itself. These controls are available only while Preview is enabled.

Check Fit in Window to center and fit the warped selection inside the document window.
Leave Fit in Window unchecked to preserve the current zoom and view when the script starts or the warp style changes.
Uncheck Fit in Window to restore the view that was active before the script opened.
Check Hide Edges to temporarily hide selection highlighting for a cleaner preview.
Uncheck Hide Edges to show the selected artwork’s edges again.

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➐ Create and Reuse Presets

Presets store the current Warp Style, Orientation, Bend, Horizontal Distortion, and Vertical Distortion values. The script includes an Arc preset and saves custom presets between sessions.

Click Add to save the current settings.
Review the suggested name based on the current style, such as Arc 2, then accept or edit it.
Select a preset and click Load to place its settings into the controls.
Double-click a preset to load it immediately.
Select a preset and click Rename to change its name.
Right-click a preset to open the rename prompt directly.
Select a preset and click Delete, then confirm its removal.
Adjust at least one setting before adding a preset when the script reports that an identical preset already exists.

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➑ Apply or Cancel the Effect

Finish the operation with the buttons beneath the main controls.

Click OK to remove the temporary preview, apply one final native Warp live effect using the current settings, and close the dialog.
Click Cancel to remove the temporary preview, leave the selected artwork unchanged, restore selection visibility, and return to the original view when necessary.

Because the result is a native Illustrator live effect, it can be revisited through the Appearance panel after it is applied.

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➒ Continue Editing in Illustrator

After applying the effect, use Illustrator’s standard tools to continue working with the warped artwork.

Open the Appearance panel to locate the Warp effect attached to the object.
Click the effect entry when Illustrator allows further editing of its native settings.
Duplicate or restyle the object while keeping the warp editable.
Expand the appearance later only when a finalized, non-live result is required.

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☻ Wrap-Up

Warp Effect provides a fast, controlled way to explore Illustrator’s native vector warps while keeping the artwork editable. Use Preview and the distortion controls to refine the shape, save successful combinations as presets, and apply the final live effect when the result is ready.

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#Effects

Previous

Warp Effect

Version: 1.0.0

Updated: August 3, 2026

Download Warp Effect

1.0.0 – Initial release.
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Tested on MacOS:
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- Adobe Illustrator 2024 (28.1)
- Adobe Illustrator 2025 (29.8)
- Adobe Illustrator 2026 (30.3)
Supported Versions:
- Compatible with Adobe Illustrator CS6 and later, including Adobe Illustrator CC versions.
Operating Systems:
- Works on both macOS and Windows platforms.
End User License Agreement (EULA)
Last Updated: 21.12.2024
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This End User License Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legal agreement between you (“User” or “Licensee”) and Samolevsky.com (“Licensor”) regarding the use of the Adobe Illustrator scripts (“Software”). By downloading, installing, or using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.
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1. Grant of License
Licensor grants the User a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the Software in accordance with this Agreement.
- Free Software: If the Software is provided for free, you may use it for personal or commercial purposes without payment, subject to the restrictions outlined in this Agreement.
- Paid Software: If the Software is provided for a fee, you may use it only after payment has been made in full.
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2. Usage Rights
You are permitted to:
- Install and use the Software on devices you own or control.
- Use the Software in your personal or commercial projects, subject to compliance with this Agreement.
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3. Restrictions
You may NOT:
- Reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, underlying ideas, or algorithms of the Software.
- Reuse, incorporate, or integrate any portion of the Software into any other software, product, or project, except as expressly permitted by the Licensor in writing.
- Resell, redistribute, or share the Software, whether in its original or modified form, without prior written consent from the Licensor.
- Claim ownership of the Software or its underlying code.
- Use the Software in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations.
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4. Ownership
The Software and all intellectual property rights therein remain the exclusive property of the Licensor. This Agreement does not transfer ownership of the Software or any intellectual property rights to the User.
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5. Disclaimer of Warranties
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES, OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.
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6. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Licensor shall not be liable for any damages, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the Software.
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7. Termination
This Agreement is effective until terminated. Licensor may terminate this Agreement immediately if you breach any term of this Agreement. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Software and destroy any copies in your possession.
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8. Updates and Support
Licensor is not obligated to provide updates, support, or maintenance for the Software. However, updates may be provided at the sole discretion of the Licensor.
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9. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
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10. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Licensor concerning the Software and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings regarding such subject matter.
By using the Software, you acknowledge that you have read this Agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms.
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For any questions or concerns regarding this Agreement, please contact us at hello@samolevsky.com

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Required Software

Adobe Illustrator

Learn more

Adobe Illustrator is a professional vector graphics software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used by designers, illustrators, and artists for creating a variety of digital artwork, including logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and complex design layouts. Illustrator is known for its precision and scalability, allowing users to create high-quality graphics that can be resized without losing clarity. Its features include powerful drawing tools, customizable brushes, advanced typography options, and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Illustrator is a go-to tool for creative professionals working on projects for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder
To install a Warp Effect.jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:
1. MacOS:
  Open Finder and navigate to:
  Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
2. Windows:
  Open File Explorer and navigate to:
  C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
3. Replace <Version> with your Adobe Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
4. Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).
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🅱 Installing the Script
1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Warp Effect.jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
2. On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
3. Restart Adobe Illustrator: To refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.
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Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.
1. Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active.
2. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
3. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
4. Click the Warp Effect script to run it.
5. The Warp Effect script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.
☻ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

🅰 Locating the Scripts Folder
To install a Warp Effect.jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:
1. MacOS:
  Open Finder and navigate to:
  Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts
2. Windows:
  Open File Explorer and navigate to:
  C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts
3. Replace <Version> with your Adobe Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
4. Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).
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🅱 Installing the Script
1. Copy the Script File: Copy the Warp Effect.jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
2. On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.
3. Restart Adobe Illustrator: To refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.
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Explore our complete guide to mastering Adobe Illustrator scripts.

1. Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active.
2. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
3. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
4. Click the Warp Effect script to run it.
5. The Warp Effect script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.
☻ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

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