CValley
FILTERiT 4
Filter
effects for Adobe Illustrator 8/9
by
David Nagel
Executive
Producer
dnagel@digitalmedianet.com
FILTERiT
is probably the most remarkable set of tools I've ever seen
for a vector illustration program. This is a package of innumerable
effects for Adobe Illustrator 8 and 9, ranging from new types
of transformations to object distortions to effects that can
be applied to text without even converting text to paths.
I reviewed
version 3.0 of this set of filters last year and was impressed
with its variety, power, stability, performance, ease of use,
versatility and price point. (You can read this review here.)
Version 4.0 adds even more to the package, while still maintaining
the incredibly modest price of $129.
Do I sound
a bit enthusiastic about FILTERiT 4? I am. This brings features
to Illustrator for the Mac that are unheard of in any vector
program on any platform.
3D transformations
If you're unfamiliar with the concept of a 3D transformation,
just think of it as scaling and skewing an object, but in three
dimensions and with near limitless possibilities for the shapes
of your transformation. For example, you can apply a 3D transformation
to an object, turn it into a 3D spiral, and then rotate around
and increase or decrease perspective for various styles.
The image
below is actually a flower that has gone through several 3D
transformations, mostly spirals, and then repeated in a circular
pattern to produce this Spirograph-looking effect.
Original
Original
with 3D transformations (and a "live" effect) applied.
See below for more on live effects.
You accomplish
these 3D effects simply by selecting an object and then choosing
Filter > FILTERiT 4 > 3D Transform. Here's what you get:
The 3D Transform
window gives you a whole host of options for manipulating objects
in 3D space, from amplitudes and rotations to preset styles
accessible through a pull-down menu.
