How to shear and distort an image in Pages?

Question

How to shear and distort an image in Pages?

This is pretty simple question. I want to shear and distort an image in Pages. I can't believe that a feature in MacDraw is not anywhere to be found in Pages (but I wouldn't be surprised if it's not, and I fear this is the answer). GIMP can do it, but that's about 5 extra steps for something that if it worked in Pages could be done in 10 seconds.

Anyway, thanks for any replies.

[I think I already know the answer. And the time it'll take me to manipulate the image on GIMP will still be faster than the time it took me to write this post.]

Posted on Aug 18, 2019 2:51 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

VikingOSX

Level 10

124,106 points

Aug 18, 2019 4:21 PM in response to Wesley Johnson

One of these days, I will learn to read. You said image, not shape. Grrrrr.

All that Pages v8.1 will allow you to do with an image is again, in the Format menu : Images sub-menu. You can edit (crop), or apply a predefined mask to an image. The mask can be manipulated and rotated. However, one cannot apparently create a custom shape, and use it with the new image as a boolean tool to punch out that new shape from the image. There is no distortion or sheer with images.

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Answer 2

VikingOSX

Level 10

124,106 points

Aug 18, 2019 4:01 PM in response to Wesley Johnson

Well, there is a form of shear and distort in Pages v8.1, but by far, an external, dedicated vector graphics tool provides more functionality. Shear by using two objects selected, and then applying one of the boolean maneuvers from the Arrange panel. Distortion by selecting a shape, and then from the Format menu : Shapes and Lines : Make Editable. Now you can double-click on a grip, and drag to distort the original image. Even rotate it.

Case in point, how a triangle shape became a faux crown:

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How to shear and distort an image in Pages?

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