Just want to draw a wavy line

[C***@adobeforums.com]

I am apparently inept at figuring out how to draw a wavy line all the way across my document! I have a brochure and want to make the wavy line effect where it's one color above the line and one color below the line. I cannot figure out that wavy line. I have tried playing with the pen tool and just can't figure it out. Is there an easy way to do this that I am missing? Does anyone know of a good tutorial somewhere that explains this? Thank you!

[tweaked_eye]

There is a wayey line as part of the standard stroke brushes.

Post by C***@adobeforums.com
I am apparently inept at figuring out how to draw a wavy line all the way
across my document! I have a brochure and want to make the wavy line effect
where it's one color above the line and one color below the line. I cannot
figure out that wavy line. I have tried playing with the pen tool and just
can't figure it out. Is there an easy way to do this that I am missing?
Does anyone know of a good tutorial somewhere that explains this? Thank
you!

[P***@adobeforums.com]

Are you at all familiar with using a Bezier Curve pen tool?

It works by clicking at the point where you want to change direction, and while the button is down dragging in the direction you want the line to bend. As you drag you should see a pair of "control handles" extend in opposite directions from the point you clicked. The length and angle of the handles determine the shape of the curve.

Once drawn you can use the direct select tool to change the length of one handle in the pair to make the curve different on each side of the point, or to change the angle. Holding the Alt key while you do this will move only one of the handles, converting from a smooth curve to a corner (you can do that while you are drawing, too).

The help topic for this can be found at <http://help.adobe.com/en_US/InDesign/6.0/WS55B8A5DC-5496-494d-ADA8-FFE0FA5DAEA1.html>

Peter

[P***@adobeforums.com]

Once you figure out how the pen tool works, you'll probably want to make your wavy line that divides color by drawing two rectangles with appropriate fills. Make sure they overlap enough to accommodate the wave.

Use the direct select tool to select the front frame, then switch to the pen tool. As you hover over the path the cursor should change to the "Add Point" tool and you can click and drag to start the wave. Add as many points as you need. :)

Peter

[C***@adobeforums.com]

OK. I think I have the line part figured out. (Even though several times when I would use the direct selection tool and try to select a point on the line, InDesign would crash.) And even though I think there should be a WAY easier way to make a curved line! Like using the pencil tool and then having a way to make the curve smooth. Is there a way to do that?

But I still don't understand how to get one color above the line and one color below the line - or one color above the line and an imported image below the line. How do you do that without one of the rectangles overlapping onto the other?

[P***@adobeforums.com]

How do you do that without one of the rectangles overlapping onto the
other?




You don't. Frames can only have one fill color, so you need two frames. Actually it is POSSIBLE to do this without overlapping, but that means you need to have a wavy border in common, and drawing that line twice is much more work than it's worth.

You CAN use the pencil tool, in combination with the smooth tool, if you like, to draw a line segment, and perhaps to even combine that with the line segment tool ant the pathfinder commands to construct your shape, but once you get used to the pen tool you'll find it's MUCH faster to use and easier to start with a rectangle, ellipse, or polygon that you've drawn.

Even though several times when I would use the direct selection tool and
try to select a point on the line, InDesign would crash.




I think I remember a bug that caused this. What version of ID are you using?

Peter

[N***@adobeforums.com]

No, no, no. We need to gang up and cry out to Adobe that we need a "Create Multicolor Wavy Line" feature. Immediately. It should have its own menu.

:D :D :D

(Sorry, Cameo, I'm having some fun with another topic about creeping featuritis vs. using SEBCAK technology...)

[P***@adobeforums.com]

Until the feature gods grant your request you'll just have to get with the program. ;)

[C***@adobeforums.com]

Thanks for the additional info. I am using ID CS3.

[P***@adobeforums.com]

Which build number?