Introduction:

New features
Migrating and converting object from previous FILTERiT 4

Tools:

Tools in General
-
Warp Tool
Wave Tool
Lens Tool
Craft Tool
Roughening Tool
Broom Tool

Live Effects:

Live Effects in General
-
Live 3D Path, part 1
Live 3D Path, part 2
Live Border
Live Circle
Live Cutout
Live Emboss
Live Explosion
Live Frame
Live Galaxy
Live Generation
Live Neon
Live Reflections
Live Shadow
Live Symbol Path
Live Tiling
Live Trail
-
Show Panel

Effects and Filters:

Live Effects in General
-
Fractalize Effect
Fractalize Filter
Lens Effect
Warp Effect
Wave Effect

Preset Menu:

Preset Menu

Miscellaneous:

Support

 

Live Effects in General:

• In the previous FILTERiT 4, it was necessary to outline text object to apply Live Effect, but you can now apply Live Effect directly to text object in FILTERiT 5.
  
• Gradation of object’s stroke can now be specified in effect which rotates or scales object (such as Live Circle).
  
• When using the effect which changes color (such as Live Trail), if the original object is the Grayscale mode, it will be automatically converted to CMYK or RGB color as needed.
  
• When using effect which requires specifying object’s Fill and Stroke (such as Live Neon), you can still apply effect using default value even if Fill and Stroke are unspecified.
  
• A cross-hair guide for displaying the center of transform as you see in Live Circle and such, its configuration has changed from path object to Illustrator’s Guides.

Live 3D Path:

Equivalent to features from each transformation menu in previous FILTERiT 4’s “Live 3D Transform” submenu. In the previous version, each transformation style had dedicated menu and panel. In FILTERiT 5, all of menus and panels are unified to a single panel and changed its name to "Live 3D Path”. Transformation style can be selected in the panel, enabling to change style quickly.
Also, the tool to use in combination with this effect, “3D Rotate Tool” has moved to this panel from Illustrator’s Tool Box for better usability.

> Live 3D Path, part 1, Live 3D Path, part 2

Live Symbol Path:

< Placing Symbol instance precisely >

“Live Symbol Path” is a new Live Effect similar to "MetaBrush Tool” from the previous FILTERiT 4 and inherits some of its features. (“MetaBrush Tool” is now discontinued)
In “MetaBrush Tool,” selected path on a document was used as placed element. But in “Live Symbol Path,”
Symbol’s (more than one) instance selected from Illustrator’s “Symbols” panel is used as placed element. The instance will be placed to selected path or text object. Symbol instance can be precisely placed along the outline of path or text object.

> Live Symbol Path

Live Tiling:

In FILTERiT 5, tile can be placed in offset like bricks.
Tile unit created from Live Tiling can be added to Illustrator’s “Swatches” panel as the pattern. The irregularly aligned unit can be precisely connected.
For about compatibility with previous FILTERiT 4 version, please refer to “Migrating and converting object from the previous FILTERiT 4”.

> Live Tiling

Live Neon/Border：

In “Live Neon,” The luminescent effect can be added around the neon with “Light Emitting” option. You can control gradient curve and contrast.
By checking “Auto Stroke Styling” option in “Live Neon” or “Live Border,” the effect will use “Corner: Round Joint” and “Cap: Round” settings.

> Live Neon, Live Border

Live Explosion:

In FILTERiT 5, the explosion can have transparency inward or outward direction, or randomized transparency.

> Live Explosion

Live Trail:

In FILTERiT 5, the names of some parameters have changed. The center of transformation can be displayed by cross-hair guide for better understanding of the relation between parameter changes and the result of control. Also, if the original object is the Grayscale mode, it will be automatically converted to CMYK or RGB color as needed.
“Trail Tool” in FILTERiT 4 is now discontinued.

> Live Trail

Wave Effect:

Wave Effect can be called the Effect version of Wave Tool. But it can apply directly to text object and appearance or style can be modified after using the effect.

> Wave Effect

Lens Effect:

Lens Effect can be called the Effect version of Lens Tool. But it can apply directly to text object and appearance or style can be modified after using the effect.

> Lens Effect

Warp Effect:

Warp Effect can be called the Effect version of Warp Tool. It can apply directly to text object and adjust appearance or change style after using the effect.

> Warp Effect

Fractalize Effect/Filter:

In FILTERiT 5, the reverse option for horizontal/vertical axis, some other options, and parameters have been added in Generator.
Also, it provides a more accurate result.
For about compatibility with previous FILTERiT 4 version, please refer to “Migrating and converting object from the previous FILTERiT 4”.
“Filter” version of Fractalize remains but using “Effect” version is recommended.

> Fractalize Effect

Help Panel:

The view and feature of help panel have been significantly changed.

The compatibility issue with the object from the previous version may occur on “Effect” Object and “Live” Object. Please follow the steps explained below to migrate or convert to the FILTERiT 5 compatible object.

Effect Object:

“Fractalize Effect” can migrate as it is. However, “Distortion” setting on FILTERiT 4 was relative to object size, and in FILTERiT 5 it is relative to segment length divided by the specified value.
Additionally, “Distortion” setting on FILTERiT 5 can only be specified relatively. Because of this, the size of Distortion can not be reproduced as in FILTERiT 4.

Live Object:

Live Object (ex. Live Neon) created with FILTERiT 4 (4.5 and later*) can convert to the FILTERiT 5 object by either one of procedures below.

• Edit object by moving the object on the artboard or execute some other editing action.
• Select the object and run “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Show Panel” menu command.
• Select the object and choose “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live ...” menu. (Select the same effect as used in FILTERiT 4**.)
• Select the object and click [?] button from any of “FILTERiT5: Live ...” panel while holding option/alt key.

A confirmation window is displayed before the conversion. To proceed, please click “Yes” button.
Regardless of OS platform (Mac or Win), you can convert FILTERiT 4 object to FILTERiT 5 object. The converted FILTERiT 5 object can be opened in both Mac and Win.

NOTE: “Live Tiling” Object may create the discrepancy in space between tiles due to the specification change.

NOTE: If you save converted file, you can no longer go back to previous FILTERiT 4 version (Undo will not work.) If necessary, we recommend creating the backup file before processing the conversion.

* Live Object created with version 4.4 and before can not be converted. In FILTERiT 5, please expand using “Illustrator > Object > Expand…” menu command. You may lose functions of Live Object, but its appearance will be maintained.
** If it was created from FILTERiT 4 “Live ３D Transform” submenu, please select FILTERiT5 “Live 3D Path.”

FILTERiT 5 tools are available via selecting an icon on Illustrator’s toolbar (shown below) or selecting an icon from the user-defined custom toolbar.

NOTE: In CC 2019 (version 23) the basic toolbar is also customizable. To additionally display FILTERiT 5 tool (icon) on the basic toolbar or the custom toolbar, please follow the specification of Illustrator CC 2019 version. FILITERiT 5 tool can be handled in the same way as standard tools.

Hidden Tool
FILTERiT 5 contains several tools on hidden panels, like those in Illustrator. To access the tools, click and hold until the panel is shown.

Clicking on any of the FILTERiT 5 tools will open the tool's panel in the Illustrator window. The panel will appear in its last position.

Double-clicking a FILTERiT 5 tool opens its panel in the upper-left corner on the main monitor unless it is fixed in the Illustrator workspace. When the "?" button is clicked, the Help panel will appear, showing the appropriate window for the active tool.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

The Warp Tool distorts a selected object or objects according to the shape selected in the panel and the direction and distance that you drag. Dragging in the direction of the arrow shown on the cursor icon produces the selected shape. Shift-dragging maintains the object's symmetry. Alt-dragging rotates the angle of drag 90 degrees. This will be indicated by a rotation of the cursor's icon and its arrow.

The cursor's position in relation to the center of the object, and any angle at which the cursor is dragged, will affect the final shape. The Warp Tool will add points to the selected object's path as necessary to produce the final shape. When more than one object is selected on the Artboard, they will be warped as a single object, whether grouped or not.

Note: To use the Warp Tool with text, the type must first be converted to outlines.

Perspective
The Perspective option adds visual depth to the final warped object. The greater the angle of drag from the icon's cursor, the greater the perspective effect. Dragging at an angle near-perpendicular to the arrow on the cursor icon can shift the original object's position to produce perspective.

Margin
The margin value, which can range from 0% to 4000%, restricts the warping effect at the outer edges of the selected object. With a lower value, the select object's path will be proportionally more distorted the farther it is from the center. In effect, higher values lessen the impact of the Warp Tool and reduce the number of anchor points added to the selected object(s) path(s).

Trace
When checked, Trace allows the Warp Tool to duplicate the selected object(s). When unchecked, the Warp Tool will only warp the selected object(s). When Drag Along is selected, duplicate objects will be created at a specified distance, in the unit of measure specified in the Preferences, and spread uniformly along the Warp Tool's path. Uniform will space the specified number of duplicate objects evenly. Accelerate spaces the duplicate objects farther apart at the end of the drag, while Decelerate spaces them closer together at the end of the drag. The One Way option for Uniform, Accelerate, and Decelerate allows the Warp Tool to produce duplicate objects from the original object(s) to the point where the mouse button is released. When the Round Trip option is selected, another set of copies will extend from the point where the mouse button is released back to the original object(s). This, in effect, produces two sets of copies: one from the original to the farthest point, and another from the farthest point back to the original.

Note: If the Trace option is selected, be careful when applying the Warp Tool multiple times. Remember that a second drag with the tool will create the specified number of copies for all objects selected. If, for example, Trace has been set to Uniform (Round Trip) and three steps have been specified, the first drag will result in seven objects (the original, plus three copies outward from the original and three copies back.) A second drag with the Warp Tool without deselecting would produce 49 total objects (seven times seven). If Trace is set to 24 and Uniform (One Way), the first drag results in 25 objects (the original and 24 copies); the second drag results in 625 objects (25 times 25). A third drag would produce a total of 15,625 objects. In addition to a very slow screen re-draw, that number of objects in a single document could produce output problems.

Tip: The Warp Tool's Trace option, which produces duplicates of the selected object(s), can be used in conjunction with Illustrator's transparency capability to produce motion blur effects.

 

 

The Wave Tool distorts a selected object or objects according to the shape selected in the palette and the direction and distance that you drag. Dragging in the direction of the arrow shown on the cursor icon produces the selected shape. Shift-dragging maintains the object's symmetry. Alt-dragging rotates the angle of drag 90 degrees. This will be indicated by a rotation of the cursor's icon and its arrow.

Note: To use the Wave Tool with text, the type must first be converted to outlines. Use the Illustrator menu command Type> Create Outlines.

The cursor's position in relation to the center of the object, and any angle at which the cursor is dragged, will affect the final shape. The Wave Tool will add points to the selected object's path as necessary to produce the final shape. When more than one object is selected on the Artboard, they will be warped as a single object, whether grouped or not. However, The Trace option will still produce multiple copies for each selected object.

Tip: To create a spiral shape using the Wave Tool's fifth shape option, start with a short, wide object.

Cycle
Cycle determines the number of repetitions of the pattern in a single object.

Trace
When checked, Trace allows the Wave Tool to duplicate the selected object(s). When unchecked, the Wave Tool will only distort the selected object(s). When Drag Along is selected, duplicate objects will be created at a specified distance, in the unit of measure specified in the Preferences, and spread uniformly along the Wave Tool's path. Full Cycle produces the specified number of copies, all with the maximum amplitude of the effect, and evenly distributed along the width or height of the original object. In other words, The height of each copy's distortion will be uniform, but the location of the peaks will be evenly distributed along the width of the object. Unlike Full Cycle, the other Trace options produce copies that are intermediary stages between the original and the final copy. Uniform will space the specified number of duplicate objects evenly. Accelerate spaces the duplicate objects farther apart at the end of the drag, while Decelerate spaces them closer together at the end of the drag. The One Way option for Uniform, Accelerate, and Decelerate allows the Wave Tool to produce duplicate objects from the original object(s) to the point where the mouse button is released. When the Round Trip option is selected, another set of copies will extend from the point where the mouse button is released back to the original object(s). This, in effect, produces two sets of copies: one from the original to the farthest point, and another from the farthest point back to the original.

Note: If the Trace option is selected, be careful when applying the Wave Tool multiple times. Remember that a second drag with the tool will create the specified number of copies for all objects selected. If, for example, Trace has been set to Uniform (Round Trip) and three steps have been specified, the first drag will result in seven objects (the original, plus three copies outward from the original and three copies back.) A second drag with the Wave Tool without deselecting would produce 49 total objects (seven times seven). If Trace is set to 24 and Uniform (One Way), the first drag results in 25 objects (the original and 24 copies); the second drag results in 625 objects (25 times 25). A third drag would produce a total of 15,625 objects. In addition to a very slow screen re-draw, that number of objects in a single document could produce output problems.

Tip: The Wave Tool's Trace option, which produces duplicates of the selected object(s), can be used in conjunction with Illustrator's transparency capability to produce motion blur effects.

Fish-eye Lens

Magnify Lens

Twirl Lens

Tone Lens

Fish-eye Lens with Trace option

The Lens Tool allows you to distort a part of a selected object or objects in one of four ways, depending upon which lens type is selected. Using the Trace option produces duplicate objects along the mouse's path.

With a selection active on the Artboard, click on the Lens Tool in the Toolbox. The cursor becomes a crosshair. In order to avoid interfering with the live preview of the effect, the active area for the lens Tool is not centered on the crosshair. Rather, the circular area that defines the virtual lens frame is to the upper-left of the cursor. Dragging the mouse shows the effect; releasing the mouse button applies the effect.

Note: To use the Lens Tool with text, the type must first be converted to outlines. Use the Illustrator menu command Type> Create Outlines.

The Lens Tool can distort all or part of a vector object. The anchor points of the object that fall within the lens frame will be distorted. Additional anchor points will be created as necessary.

The four types of lenses each have their own specific capabilities and options:

Fish-eye Lens
With a positive number in the Thickness setting, any object in the center of the lens area will appear to bulge outward. With a negative Thickness setting, the center is moved away.

Magnify Lens
The Magnify Lens scales objects within the lens area. The magnification settings can range from 100% to 4000%.

Twirl Lens
The effect of the Twirl Lens is governed by two settings. Angle determines the angle (direction) of the effect, while Cycle determines the amount of twirl, and therefore the complexity of the resulting object.

Tone Lens
The Tone Lens allows you to reduce the size of selected objects or groups. The height and width values can range from 0% to 100%. Choosing the Group as one unit option allows grouped objects to be scaled as a single object. It has no effect on ungrouped objects.

Tip: Tone lens is very effective with numerous small objects arranged in rows and columns.

Resizing the Lens Frame
Hold down the Alt key and drag to change the size of the lens frame. Once you let go of the Alt key, the size will be fixed. Remember that the Lens Tool is active while being resized, so it is best to make sure that there is no active selection on the Artboard while resizing. Holding down the Shift key will constrain the lens frame to a circle. The height and width of the Lens Tool's active area can also be entered numerically in the Lens Tool palette, or changed with the up and down arrows.

Trace
When checked, Trace allows the Lens Tool to duplicate the selected objects within the target area. When unchecked, the Lens Tool will only distort the selected objects. When Drag Along is selected, duplicate objects will be created at a specified distance, measured in pixels, spread uniformly along the Lens Tool's path. Uniform will space the specified number of duplicate objects evenly. Accelerate spaces the duplicate objects farther apart at the end of the drag, while Decelerate spaces them closer together at the end of the drag. The One Way option for Uniform, Accelerate, and Decelerate allows the Lens Tool to produce duplicate objects from the original objects to the point where the mouse button is released. When the Round Trip option is selected, another set of copies will extend from the point where the mouse button was released back to the original. This, in effect, produces two sets of copies: one from the original to the farthest point, and another from the farthest point back to the original.

Tip: The Lens Tool's Trace option, which produces duplicates of the selected objects, can be used in conjunction with Illustrator's transparency capability to produce motion blur effects.

After using the Trace option to duplicate objects along a path, Illustrator 9's Release to Layers command can prepare the image for animation. You can also achieve the same result by holding down the Command key while releasing the mouse button. Each object created by the Lens Tool will be placed on a separate layer.

From sample file tool_craft_01.ai

Dragging the Craft Tool on the Artboard will distort or duplicate (when the Trace option is active) selected objects within the target area, which is identified by a circle. Objects at the edges of the target area are not distorted as much as those in the center. The Craft Tool will add points to a path as it is distorted. The Craft Tool gives you four options from which to choose.

Free Distortion
Selected paths within the target area will be distorted in a straight line from their original points to the point where the mouse button is released.

Dynamic Distortion
Objects will be distorted along the path that the mouse is dragged. The distortion path's length is typically several times the Craft Tool's Area Radius.

Pinch Distortion
When dragged upward, selected objects within the target area are distorted away from the target area's center. When dragged downward, the objects are distorted toward the center.

Twirl Distortion
The Craft Tool can be dragged either clockwise or counter-clockwise around the target area's center point. Selected objects within the target area will be distorted around the center point.

Note: To use the Craft Tool with text, the type must first be converted to outlines.

Resistance
This level, which ranges from 1 to 5, determines how large a difference there will be between the center and edges of the target area. The higher the number, the less that selected objects at the edges will be distorted.

Area Radius
The target area size is determined by the Area Radius. You can change the size of the target area by clicking the up and down arrows, entering a number directly in the field, or by alt-dragging on the Artboard.

Trace
When checked, Trace allows the Craft Tool to duplicate the selected objects within the target area. When unchecked, the Craft Tool will only distort the selected objects. When Drag Along is selected, duplicate objects will be created at a specified distance, measured in pixels, spread uniformly along the Craft Tool's path. When using the Twirl Distortion option, the distance is measured in degrees. Uniform will space the specified number of duplicate objects evenly. Accelerate spaces the duplicate objects farther apart at the end of the drag, while Decelerate spaces them closer together at the end of the drag. The One Way option for Uniform, Accelerate, and Decelerate allows the Craft Tool to produce duplicate objects from the original objects to the point where the mouse button is released. When the Round Trip option is selected, another set of copies will extend from the point where the mouse button was released back to the original. This, in effect, produces two sets of copies: one from the original to the farthest point, and another from the farthest point back to the original. The Dynamic Distortion setting for the Craft Tool supports only the Drag Along option.

Tip: The Craft Tool's Trace option, which produces duplicates of the selected objects, can be used in conjunction with Illustrator's transparency capability to produce motion blur effects.

From sample file tool_roughening_01.ai

The Roughening Tool creates irregular edges along any path that falls within its target area. A series of random values is generated and applied to the path to create new anchor points and path segments. You can choose to create corner points for jagged edges or smooth anchor points for rounded edges. With the Trace option, you can also elect to have the Roughening Tool create a series of new objects that represent the intermediary roughening steps.

Note: To use the Roughening Tool with text, the type must first be converted to outlines.

With one or more objects selected on the Artboard, drag the Roughening Tool to apply it. Dragging horizontally in either direction increases the number of anchor points (and path segments) added to the path(s). Dragging vertically in either direction increases the length (amplitude) of the new segments. Dragging at any other angle increases both the number of new segments and their length.

While dragging, you can press the Shift key to generate a new set of random values, which will generate different anchor points along the selected path(s).

Area Radius
The target area for the Roughening Tool is specified by the Area Radius, which is in the unit of measure specified in Illustrator's Preferences. You can use the up and down arrows or enter a value directly in the field to change the size of the target area. You can also hold down the Alt key and then drag the Roughening Tool to change the target area. Remember that the tool is active while resizing, so it's best to alt-drag either in an empty area of the Artboard or with no objects selected.

Trace
The Trace option allows the Roughening Tool to create copies of the selected object as it is roughened. By default, the copies (which will be not grouped with the original object) represent various stages in the roughening. The Roughening Tool offers several Trace options.

Uniform will create the specified number of duplicate objects evenly, with uniform roughening from the original to the final copy. Accelerate increases the amount of roughening from copy to copy for the later copies (those created last and higher in the stacking order). Decelerate decreases the change between copies higher in the stacking order.

When the Round Trip version of each option is selected, the Roughening Tool creates two sets of copies. One set is roughened to the maximum amount (determined by the extent of the drag), and a second set is created that is roughened from that extreme back to the original shape in the appropriate number of steps.

Steps
Steps allows you to specify the number of copies created by the Trace option. Remember that the Round Trip option for Uniform, Accelerate, and Decelerate will double the number of copies produced.

Note: If multiple objects are selected on the Artboard, they will be grouped and duplicated when Trace is selected. This occurs even if only one of the selected objects falls within the Roughening Tool's target area.

New Sequence
When New Sequence is selected, each of the copies produced with the Trace options will have a different set of random numbers generated. When New Sequence is not selected, the Roughening Tool will calculate the intermediary copies based on the numbers generated for the most roughened copy.

Tip: The Roughening Tool's Trace option, which produces duplicates of the selected objects, can be used in conjunction with Illustrator's transparency capability to produce motion blur effects.

From sample file tool_broom_01.ai

Dragging the Broom Tool on the Artboard will move or duplicate (when the Trace option is active) selected objects within the target area, which is identified by a circle. Objects at the edges of the target area do not move as far as those in the center. The Broom Tool is designed primarily for use on numerous small objects. You have four types of brooms from which to choose.

Free Sweep
Objects will be moved or duplicated along a path defined by dragging the Broom Tool.

Dynamic Sweep
Like Free Sweep, objects will be moved or duplicated along the cursor's path, but only for a distance approximately equal to 2 to 3 times the Area Radius.

Pinch Sweep
When dragged upward, selected objects within the target area move away from the target area's center. When dragged downward, the objects move closer to the center.

Twirl Sweep
The Broom Tool can be dragged either clockwise or counter-clockwise around the target area's center point. Selected objects within the target area will be moved or duplicated around the center point.

Note: To use the Broom Tool with text, the type must first be converted to outlines.

Resistance
This level, which ranges from 1 to 5, determines how large a difference there will be between the center and edges of the target area. The higher the number, the less that selected objects at the edges will move.

Group as One Unit
This option works only with grouped objects. When checked, the Broom Tool will treat the group as a single object. When unchecked, each of the objects in the group will be moved or copied individually. Whether the box is checked or not, duplicate objects produced by the Broom Tool will be grouped like the original objects.

Area Radius
The target area size is determined by the Area Radius. You can change the size of the target area by clicking the up and down arrows, entering a number directly in the field, or by Alt-dragging on the Artboard.

Trace
When checked, Trace allows the Broom Tool to duplicate the selected objects within the target area. When unchecked, the Broom Tool will only move the selected objects. When Drag Along is selected, duplicate objects will be created at a specified distance, in the unit of measure specified in the Preferences, spread uniformly along the Broom Tool's path. When using the Twirl Sweep option, the distance is measured in degrees. Uniform will space the specified number of duplicate objects evenly. Accelerate spaces the duplicate objects farther apart at the end of the drag, while Decelerate spaces them closer together at the end of the drag. The One Way option for Uniform, Accelerate, and Decelerate allows the Broom Tool to produce duplicate objects from the original objects to the point where the mouse button is released. When the Round Trip option is selected, another set of copies will extend from the point where the mouse button was released back to the original. This, in effect, produces two sets of copies: one from the original to the farthest point, and another from the farthest point back to the original. The Dynamic Sweep setting for the Broom Tool supports only the Drag Along option.

Tip: The Broom Tool's Trace option, which produces duplicates of the selected objects, can be used in conjunction with Illustrator's transparency capability to produce motion blur effects.

FILTERiT 5 Live Effect is under “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 ＞ Live …” submenu.

If you access the menu, the panel including “FILTERiT5: Live …” title appears.
For the object which has already applied FILTERiT 5 Live Effect, you can edit the original one, and the effect one will automatically update.

“FILTERiT5: Live …” panel includes the following interface in common.

Live Update
Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the settings as you make changes.

Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the copies created by the Live Effect. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel settings to 'Default Settings' and save the current setting as the preset menu and add here.
For the instruction on how to use the preset menu, please refer “Preset Menu.”

?
Display help panel and jump to correspond page. Also, if you select any FILTERiT 5 live object and click “?” icon while pressing the option/alt key, correspond “FILTERiT5: Live…” panel will open.

NOTE: If you open the Illustrator file that contains the object with FILTERiT 5 Live Effect by Illustrator that FILTERiT 5 is not installed, the following alert message will be displayed.

“The document '[File Name].ai' contains elements that are managed by plug-ins that are not currently available. You can delete or expand these elements, but you cannot manipulate them in other ways. The missing plug-ins are listed below. (List of uninstalled plugins)”

Please note, this is not an error message. If necessary, you can expand the elements from “Illustrator > Object > Expand…” menu command. Even if you Expand them, the appearances are valid, and you will not see the alert message when opening the file.

* If Illustrator's “Expand ...” command can not be used (such as when the stroke profile on the path is not uniform), please expand it with the “Expand” button on the “FILTERiT5: Live…” panel in advance.

TIP: You can check which Live Effect has been used on the object using “Appearance” panel of Illustrator.

Action
Most of the FILTERiT 5 Live Effects are compatible with Record / Play from Illustrator’s Action. For more about the status of compatibility, please refer to each Live Effect pages.
To record Action, please click 'Apply' button on 'FILTERiT 5: Live…' panel while recording. To record Expand also, please use menu command 'Illustrator > Object ＞ Expand…’.
For more details about Action, please refer to Illustrator’s help.

Live 3D Path transforms selected objects to a specified shape.
The position of grouped paths after the Live 3D Path is based upon the top-most path in a group. You can use Illustrator's Layers panel to determine how your object is grouped before the transformation. (Simple Rotation is not affected by grouping.)

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.

Example:

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live 3D Path” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live 3D Path” panel will open.
   
3. Type “FILTERiT5” and create text object on the document’s artboard. Set font style to Bold and font size as 72 pt.
   
4. Select the text object.
   
5. From “Style” in the panel menu, select “Twist.”
   
6. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
7. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
8. Click “Rotate Tool“ icon on the panel and select “Rotate Tool.“ (You can de-select by choosing any other tool.)
   
9. Make sure that “Rotation“ on the panel is set to “After (XYZ)“ and drag object on the document. For more information about how to change direction or center of rotation by dragging, please refer to the panel or see “Setting items“ below.
   
10. Change the text object on the artboard.
    
11. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

[Left side of panel]

Style
Select type of 3D transformation. Maximum of 4 parameters from “Parameter 1“ through “Parameter 4“ will change depending on the Style selected.

Parameter 1 ... Parameter 4
For the parameters located between “Style” and “Perspective,” the number of Parameters (maximum of 4) and its content will change depending on each “Style.” For more information about Parameter for each Style, please refer “Live 3D Path, part 2” page.

Perspective
Specify perspective.

[Right side of panel]

Rotate Tool
If you click the icon, “Rotate Tool” will be selected. If you select other Illustrator Tool, “Rotate Tool” will be deselected.
You can use this tool to drag 3D Path Object on the document as the follows to rotate X, Y, Z axis.

Drag Vertically - Rotate X-axis
Drag Horizontally - Rotate Y-axis
Shift-Key Drag - Rotate Z-axis

If you hold option/alt key and drag, you can move origin.
While dragging, the cross-hair cursor will appear on the document.

Rotation
If you select “Before (x y z),” x, y, z input fields on the left row will be active.
In contrast, if you select “After (X Y Z),” X, Y, Z input fields on the right row will be active.
(In case of “Simple Rotation” Style, it is limited to only “Before (x y z)”)

In “FILTERiT5: Live 3D Path”, the rotation axis before the transformation is shown in lowercase letter x, y, z. The rotation axis after the transformation is shown in uppercase letter X, Y, Z.
Also, before applying the 3D transformation to the selected path, the simple x y z-axis rotation is added to achieve more complicated 3D transformation.

　[Before transformation x y z-axis rotation] -> [3D transformation] -> [After transformation X Y Z-axis rotation]

Live Update
Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live 3D Path is creating a high number of objects. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live 3D Path settings as you make changes.

Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the copies created by Live 3D Path. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Blurred Path effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

The 12 styles of Live 3D Path can be selected in the panel through the pop-up menu. Each option can be reset to its defaults using the panel menu. In additional, each of the options has in common the rotation controls. The option-specific settings are described here.

Simple Rotation
Simple Rotation rotates the objects around the coordinate axes. The center of the transformation is defined with the Cross Cursor. It has no additional settings.

See 'live_3dpath_01.ai'

Twist
Twist applies a twist effect around the X-axis.
Angle defines the twist angle, and the center of the transformation is defined with the Cross Cursor.

Arc
Arc transforms the objects to an arc shape. The center of the transformation is defined with the Cross Cursor.
Center Angle defines the pivot angle of the Arc.
Radius Increase defines the increasing ratio of the radius per 360 degrees, as a percentage of the original height of the object(s).

Screw
Screw's transformation is derived from the Arc transformation. You may transform the screw shape specifying different values for the Z direction transformation. The rotation after transformation is set to 90 degrees around the Y-axis as the default, so that you are observing the Z-axis as the horizontal axis in the preview screen. The center of the transformations is defined with the Cross Cursor.
Central Angle defines the twist value of angle.
Radius Increase defines the increasing ratio of the radius per 360 degrees in as a percentage of the original height of the objects.
Z Increase defines the stretching value in the direction of the rotation axis (Z-axis) as a percentage of the original objects' height.
Twist defines the twist angle around the coordinate center. A trail spin effect is given with the twist.

Twirl
Twirl transforms the selection around the coordinate center. The center of the transformation is defined with the Cross Cursor. Angle defines the twirling angle in degree.
Cycle defines the number of times of that twirls change directions. When the setting is 1, the twirl is applied in simply one direction; when it is set to 2 or more, the twirl direction changes, dependent upon the angle specified.

Wave (H/V)
Wave (H/V) transforms objects along the sine wave in horizontal (X-axis) and vertical (Y-axis) directions. The center of the transformation is defined with the Cross Cursor.
Amplitude H defines the amplitude of the horizontal wave as a percentage of the width of the objects.
Cycle H defines the repeating cycle of the horizontal wave.
Amplitude V defines the amplitude of the vertical wave as a percentage of the height of the objects.
Cycle V defines the repeating cycle of the vertical wave.

Wave (Z)
Wave (Z) transforms objects along the sine wave in the vertical direction (Z-axis). You may move the Cross Cursor to change the coordinate center.
Amplitude H defines the amplitude of the horizontal wave as a percentage of the width of the objects.
Cycle H defines repeating cycle of the horizontal wave.
Amplitude V defines the amplitude of the vertical wave as a percentage of the height of the objects.
Cycle V defines repeating cycle of the vertical wave.

Wave (Radial)
Wave (Radial) transforms objects along the circular sine wave in the vertical direction (Z-axis). The center of the wave is the coordinate center. The center of the transformation is defined with the Cross Cursor.
Amplitude defines the wave amplitude as a percentage of the radius. (The radius, for these purposes, is 1/2 of the diagonal line of the minimum rectangle area covering selected objects.)
Cycle defines the repeating cycle of the wave.
Phase specifies a gap for the radius direction of a wave.

Sphere
Sphere transforms the objects in a shape of sphere. The position of the Cross Cursor determines the sphere radius.
Central Angle defines opening angle as longitude (east to west) in degrees.
North Latitude determines how much of the upper half of the sphere will be created. When less that 90 degrees, a hole will be left at the upper end of the sphere.
South Latitude determines how much of the lower half of the sphere will be created. When less than 90 degrees, a hole will be left at the lower end of the sphere.
Note!
To best observe the effects of reducing the North and South latitude values, use the cursor to rotate the preview until the front face (identified with F) is facing upward. Height Determines the overall size of the sphere created. When set to 100%, the sphere will be round. Negative numbers reverse north and south.

Torus (Donut)
Torus (Donut) transforms objects to a donut shape. The position of X-axis of the Cross Cursor defines the radius of the ring, and the position of the Y-axis defines the radius of the cross section.
Central Angle 1 defines the "completeness" of the ring. When set to 360 degrees, the entire "donut" will be formed. When less than 360 degrees, the donut will not be closed, leaving an opening in the ring.
Central Angle 2 defines the "completeness" of the cross-section of the ring. When set to 360 degrees, the cross-section will be a complete circle. When less than 360 degrees, the "donut" will be left open along its inner circumference.
Shift Angle defines the edge position of the original objects on the cross section of the ring.
Height adjusts the elongation of the cross section. When set to more than 100%, the "donut" becomes taller; when set to less than 100%, it is shorter. Negative numbers reverse the top and bottom of the donut's cross-section.

Spiral
Spiral is derived from the Torus (Donut) transformation, stretching it spirally in the direction of Z-axis. By default, the rotation after transformation is set at 81 degrees around the Y-axis so that you are observing Z-axis as horizontal axis in the preview screen. The position of X-axis of the Cross Cursor defines the radius of the spiral, and the position of Y-axis defines the radius of the cross section.
Central Angle 1 determines the number of complete revolutions the spiral will make. 360 degrees is a single rotation, which will produce a single "coil." 720 degrees is two complete revolutions, which produces two "coils."
Central Angle 2 defines the "completeness" of the cross-section of the spiral. When set to 360 degrees, the cross-section will be a complete circle. When less than 360 degrees, the spiral will be left open along its inner circumference.
Shift Angle defines the edge position of the original objects on the cross section of the spiral.
Z Increase determines the spacing between the coils of the spiral.
Tip! To best see what the Spiral settings do, select Spring from the palette's menu and then drag the Central Angle 1 and Z Increase sliders.

Cylinder/Cone
This was derived from the Arc Transformation. (In fact, this transformation can be created using Arc, but Cylinder/Cone simplifies the creation process.) When the rotation angle is set to 90 degrees (Before Transformation) the a cylindrical shape will be created, however, when the X rotation angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, you will get a cone shaped object. The center of the transformation is defined with the Cross Cursor.
Center Angle defines the cross section of the cylinder or cone. When set to 360 degrees, the object is complete; when set to any lesser value, the object will have a gap in its circumference.
Height adjusts the elongation of the cross section. When set to more than 100%, the cylinder or cone becomes taller, when set to less than 100%, it is shorter. Negative numbers reverse the top and bottom of the object's cross-section.

Live Border allows you to apply a bevel to selected objects. The selected object must have both a fill and a stroke. The border will be one-half the stroke width. The border can be applied either outside or inside the object's path. Live Border also allows you to apply shading to the bevel in the form of a shadow.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”

Example:

From sample file live_border_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Border” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Border” panel will open.
   
3. Type “FILTERiT5” and create text object on the document’s artboard. Set font style to Bold, font size as 72 pt, Fill Color to White, and Stroke Weight to 6 pt.
   The width of Border is specified by Stroke Weight of Object. The gradient is done by Stroke Color and Fill Color of Object.
   
4. Select the text object.
   
5. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
7. Change text object on the artboard.
   
8. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

   Setting items:

   Gradient Arc
   The Gradient Arc determines the rate of blending between the fill and stroke colors. The three preset buttons and the slider allow you to customize the bevel's blend. The center button (0%) blends the two colors evenly. The button to the left (-100%) emphasizes the stroke color, while the button to the right (100%) emphasizes the fill color.

   Reverse
   The Reverse option alters only the border area. When it is unchecked, the gradient blend flows from the fill color outward to the stroke color. When the Reverse option is selected, the fill color remains unchanged, but in the border area the blend flows outward from the stroke color back to the fill color. In other words, the reversed blend has the fill color at both the very outer edge and in the center, with the stroke color between.

   Auto Stroke Styling [Recommended]
   Use 'Cap: Round' 'Corner: Round Joint' as the style of the Stroke. Due to the nature of this effect, selecting this checkbox is recommended.

   Auto Steps and Manual Steps
   Live Border allows you to specify the number of steps in the border's blend by selecting Manual Steps. You can also allow Live Border to determine the blending rate by choosing low, medium, or high Auto Steps.

   Tip: The number of intermediary objects generated with the steps settings determines not only the smoothness of the blend, but also the complexity of the resulting gradient. Auto Steps (High) can generate one hundred or more intermediary steps, resulting in a very complex gradient.

   Offset
   Offsetting the border will appear to shift the center of the object. The Offset percentage is in relationship to the width of the border; Angle determines the direction.

   Shadow
   The Shadow option is used to create lighting effects on the border. You can choose the darkness of the shadow (Tint), the distance measured in the units specified in the preferences (Offset, from 0 to 4000 points or the equivalent), and the direction in which the shadow will fall (Light Angle).

   Live Update
   Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Border is creating a high number of steps. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Border settings as you make changes.

   Expand/Release/Apply
   The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the intermediary steps created by Live Border. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Border effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

   Panel Menu
   The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
   You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
   For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Circle creates copies of selected objects around a circle or oval. Objects can be grouped prior to applying Live Circle, which duplicates them as a unit.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”

Example:

From sample file live_circle_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Circle” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Circle” panel will open.
   
3. Create a rectangle on the document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Rectangle Tool” and draw a rectangle with Width as 50 pt, Height as 20 pt. Set the Fill Color to Linear Gradient, the Stroke Color to Black, and the Stroke Weight to 1 pt.
4. Select the rectangle.
   
5. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
7. Enter 50 to “Height(%)” field on the panel.
   
8. Change the Shape, Fill, and Stroke on the rectangle.
   
9. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Total
This number determines how many objects will result from applying the result. It includes the original object.

Keep Angle
When Keep Angle is checked, Live Circle produces copies with the same vertical orientation as the original object. When unchecked, the copies will be rotated around the circle.

Center
The nine points in the Datum grid correspond to the handles on the bounding box of the selected object or objects and the center point. This determines from where the Offset V (vertical) and Offset H (horizontal) will be measured. Both the vertical and horizontal offsets can range from -4000 to 4000 points or the equivalent in the unit of measure specified in the Preferences.

Show Center Mark
A cross appears at the center of the circle.

Height
The vertical-to-horizontal ratio of the Live Circle is determined with the Height setting. 100% produces a circle. Any other setting produces an oval. The value can range from 1 to 4000%. Less than 100% produces ovals that are shorter and wider, while values greater than 100% produces ovals that are taller and narrower.

Live Update
Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Circle is creating a high number of steps. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Circle settings as you make changes.

Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the intermediary steps created by Live Circle. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Circle effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Cutout adds depth to a selected object. The result gives the appearance of an object that has been cut from paper and pasted onto the Artboard. Live Cutout creates a series of tinted objects, offset behind the original.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”

Example:

From sample file live_cutout_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Cutout” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Cutout” panel will open.
3. Create a rectangle on the document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Rectangle Tool” and draw a rectangle with Width as 600 pt, Height as 300 pt. Set the Fill Color to White and Stroke to none. Additionally, lock it.
4. Type “FILTERiT5” and put text object in the middle of the rectangle. Set font style to Bold, font size as 72 pt, Fill Color to White, and Stroke to none.
   
5. Select the text object.
   
6. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
7. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
8. Try to move “Light Angle” slider.
   
9. Change text object on the artboard.
   
10. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

    Setting items:

    Shade
    Shade, measured in percent, determines the darkness of the rear-most object. Intermediary objects are shaded to create a blend between the rear-most object and the original object.

    Offset
    Offset determines the size of the cutout effect, measured in the unit of measure specified in the Preferences, from the original object to the rear-most object.

    Light Angle
    The direction of the Live Cutout effect is determined by the Light Angle setting.

    Steps
    Steps allows you to assign the number of intermediary objects created. The higher the number, the more objects created and the smoother the blend between the original object and the rear-most object. Often, a lower number will produce a more realistic cutout look.

    Live Update
    Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Cutout is creating a high number of steps. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Cutout settings as you make changes.

    Expand/Release/Apply
    The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the intermediary steps created by Live Cutout. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Cutout effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

    Panel Menu
    The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
    You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
    For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Emboss adds a 3D look to selected objects by adding highlights and/or shadows. The effect is achieved by creating intermediary objects behind the selection. It works best with filled but unstroked objects. Live Emboss offers three styles of effect.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”

Example:

From sample file live_emboss_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Emboss” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Emboss” panel will open.
   
3. Create a rectangle on the document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Rectangle Tool” and draw a rectangle with Width as 600 pt, Height as 300 pt. Set the Fill Color to Gray-50% and Stroke to none. Additionally, lock it.
   
4. Type “FILTERiT5” and put text object in the middle of the rectangle. Set font style to Bold, font size as 72 pt, Fill Color to Gray-50%, and Stroke to none.
   
5. Select the text object.
   
6. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
7. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
8. Try to move “Light Angle” slider and check “Reverse” option.
9. Change text object on the artboard.
   
10. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

    Setting items:

    Normal: Both a shadow and a highlight are added.
    Highlight only: The highlight is added, but not a shadow.
    Shadow only: The shadow is produced, but not a highlight.

    Contrast
    Ranging from 0 to 100%, Contrast determines the difference in color between the original object's fill and the color of the shadow and the highlight. At 100%, the deepest shadow will be black and the lightest highlight will be white.

    Offset
    The distance of the shadow and highlight from the original object is determined by the Offset. It is measure in the unit of measure specified in the Preferences.

    Light Angle
    Light Angle determines the direction of the highlight and, in the opposite direction, the shadow.

    Reverse
    The shadow and the highlight will be reversed. This is equivalent to selecting the opposite Light Angle.

    Steps
    Steps determines how many intermediary objects will be create to form the shadow and/or the highlight. When Normal is selected for the Live Emboss style, the Steps value determines both the number of shadow objects and the number of highlight objects. Higher values produce smooth transitions, but create more complex objects.

    Live Update
    Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Emboss is creating a high number of steps. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Emboss settings as you make changes.

    Expand/Release/Apply
    The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the intermediary steps created by Live Emboss. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Emboss effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

    Panel Menu
    The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
    You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
    For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Explosion produces copies of a selection in a pattern that spreads from a central point. The copies can be arranged and resized to represent explosions moving toward or away from the viewer's perspective. Live Explosion can be applied to an object, objects, groups of objects.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”

Example:

From sample file live_explosion_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Explosion” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Explosion” panel will open.
   
3. Create an ellipse on the document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Ellipse Tool” and draw an ellipse with Width as 60 pt, Height as 3 pt. Set the Fill Color to White and Stroke to none.
   
4. Select the ellipse.
   
5. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
7. Check “Same Sequence” on the panel.
   
8. Change the Size and Fill color on the Ellipse.
   
9. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

   Setting items:

   Total
   The total represents the number of copies created plus the original object or objects.

   Radial Deviation
   The Radial Deviation value governs the regularity of the distribution of copies. When set to 0, copies will be placed uniformly and regularly throughout the range of the effect. As the value increases, groups or clusters of copies may be produced.

   Keep Angle
   When checked, each copy will retain the original object's vertical orientation.

   Core Radius
   Core Radius determines the distance from the original object to the center of the effect. The value can range from -4000 points to 4000 points, or the equivalent in the unit of measure specified in the Preferences. Positive numbers locate the effect's center to the left of the original object; negative numbers move the effect's center to the right of the original object. The Core Radius defines a circle along which the effect is created, and is measured from the center left point of the selection's bounding box. A Core Radius of 0 centers the effect on the original object or group's left-center point.

   Spread
   The Spread value determines where copies will be placed in relation to the circle defined by the Core Radius. A Spread of 0 results in objects aligning to that circle. Negative numbers concentrate the variation toward the center of the circle, while positive numbers result in copies spreading outward from the circle.

   Space
   The relationship of the copies among themselves is determined in part by the Space setting. There are three options.

   Dec: The Deceleration option groups copies closer together the farther they are from the center of the effect.
   Uni: Copies of objects will be distributed uniformly, regardless of distance from the effect's center.
   Acc: The Acceleration mode groups copies closer together when they are closer to the center of the effect.

   Show Center Mark
   The Center Mark is a small cross in the middle of the effect. Its distance from the original object is governed by the Core Radius.

   Shrink/Grow
   The Shrink/Grow value governs the variation is size of the copies created by Live Explosion. At 100%, all copies are the same size as the original object. At 1%, the farthest objects are smallest; at 200% the copies farthest from the center are twice the size of the original. When a negative value is entered, copies will be reduced in size to the midpoint of the radius, and then will increase in size toward the edges, to the value entered. The effect is similar to looking directly at a stream of debris headed directly toward you from a distant explosion: Many objects in the center and at the edges appear larger, while more distant objects can be seen between them.

   Transparentize (Group Box)
   Specify transparency in the radial axis direction.
   Choose the direction "inside," "outward," "random." "Opacity" is a convergence value.
   

   Same Sequence
   Checking the Same Sequence box allows you to edit an existing distribution of objects. If the box is unchecked, each change in the Live Explosion palette generates a new set of copies.

   Live Update
   Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Explosion is creating a high number of steps. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Explosion settings as you make changes.

   Expand/Release/Apply
   The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the intermediary steps created by Live Explosion. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Explosion effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

   Panel Menu
   The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
   You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
   For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Frame creates a rectangle frame using the selected object or objects. Each object created for the frame will be an identical copy of the original, and you can control both spacing and rotation. When multiple objects are selected, they can be grouped to create a single border or left ungrouped to create multiple borders.

The placement of the original object determines the location of the frame. Live Frame will create the frame to the right and up (or up and to the right) of the original. In either case, the original object's location will be at or near the lower left corner of the frame. (The Cycle option, discussed below, reverses the flow of the frame.)

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”

Example:

From sample file live_frame_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Frame” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Frame” panel will open.
3. Create a star on the document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Star Tool” and draw a star with 'Radius 1' as 15 pt, 'Radius 2' as 5 pt. Set the Fill Color to Linear Gradient and Stroke to none.
   
4. Select the star.
   
5. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
7. Change the Shape, Fill color on the star.
   
8. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

   Setting items:

   Side H
   The Side Horizontal setting determines how many copies of the original object will be created for the top and bottom sides of the frame. Remember that the copies will each be the same size as the original.

   Side V
   The Side Vertical setting determines how many copies of the original object will be created for the left and right sides of the frame. Remember that the copies will each be the same size as the original.

   Keep Angle
   The Keep Angle option maintains the original's orientation for all copies. When unchecked, all copies will be rotated to point inward.

   Relative Space
   Relative Space places the copies relative to the size of the original object's path. 100% uses the dimensions of the path plus the width of the object's stroke, so that neighboring objects will appear to abut. With Relative Space selected, Live Frame will automatically reposition the copies if the size of the original object is changed. The frame itself will grow or shrink to maintain the desired spacing percentage and the number of copies specified in Side H and Side V.

   Sides: This setting determines the spacing between the individual elements that make up the four sides of the frame.
   Corner: This setting determines the spacing between the sides where they meet in each corner. When the Corner Offset (described below) is set to 0% and Draw Corner is selected (also described below), this setting determines the spacing between the sides and the objects in the corners.

   Absolute Space
   Absolute space specifies the distance between copies in the document's unit of measure. If you change the size of the original object, the frame maintains its size and position, while each of the copies changes in size to match the original.

   Sides: This setting determines the spacing between the individual elements that make up the four sides of the frame.
   Corner: This setting determines the spacing between the sides where they meet in each corner. When the Corner Offset (described below) is set to 0% and Draw Corner is selected (also described below), this setting determines the spacing between the sides and the objects in the corners.

   Corner Offset
   The Corner Offset determines how the sides of the frame will align at the corners. When discussing Corner Offset, it's easiest to think of the four sides of the frame as separate units. Each set of objects (top, bottom, left, and right) can be shifted in relation to the others. The three Corner Offset buttons in the Live Frame palette show the sides as rectangles that represent the objects created to make the frame. (By default, the original object will be the left-most object in the bottom set, but that can be changed with the Cycling option, which is discussed below.)

   You can change the Corner Offset value by clicking any of the three preset buttons, dragging the slider, or entering a numeric value between -100% and 100% in the box.

   When Corner Offset is set to 0% (the middle Corner Offset button), the sides will be equidistant from the corner. The left and right sides will be centered between the top and bottom of the frame; the top and bottom will be centered between the left and right sides of the frame. Note that the frame will be largest with a setting of 0%.

   When negative values are entered in Corner Offset, the bottom is shifted to the left, the top is shifted to the right, and the left and right sides move to accommodate them. When an offset of -100% is entered, the bottom and left sides are left-aligned, as shown by the icon of the left-most of the Corner Offset buttons. A value of 100% results in the bottom and right sides being right-aligned, as shown by the right-most Corner Offset button's icon.

   Draw at Corner
   The Draw at Corner option adds an extra object in each of the four corners. It is only available when the Corner Offset is set to 0%.

   Cycling
   By default, Live Frame uses the counter-clockwise option, but you can elect to have the frame created clockwise. The setting determines in what order objects are drawn, starting from the original object. This not only determines the relationship between adjoining sides of the frame, it establishes the order in which the objects are stacked. Remember that when Relative spacing is set to less than 100% or when Absolute spacing is less than the diameter of the objects, the object can overlap. Changing from counter-clockwise to clockwise cycling will reverse the stacking order.

   Live Update
   Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Frame is creating a high number of steps. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Frame settings as you make changes.

   Expand/Release/Apply
   The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the copies created by Live Frame. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Frame effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

   Panel Menu
   The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
   You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
   For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Galaxy produces copies of the original object or objects in a series of spirals that extend out from a central point. By default, Live Galaxy reduces the size of the copies the farther they are from the center. You can control the number of spirals (called branches), the number and size of the copies on each branch, and the distribution of the branches and the copies on them. Most of Live Galaxy's controls offer both a numeric control and control over the amount of deviation or variation from that setting.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”

Example:

From sample file live_galaxy_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Galaxy” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Galaxy” panel will open.
   
3. Create an Ellipse on the document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Ellipse Tool” and draw an ellipse with Width as 20 pt, Height as 10 pt. Set the Fill Color to White, the Stroke Color to Black, and the Stroke Weight to 1 pt.
   
4. Select the ellipse.
   
5. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
7. Change the Size and Fill color on the ellipse.
   
8. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Total Branches
Total Branches determines how many spirals will be created.

Radial Deviation
The degrees of deviation (from 0 to 360) determine the regularity of the branch distribution. When 0 degrees is selected, the branches will be evenly distributed around the center.

Total per Branch
The Total per Branch setting allows you to specify the number of copies that will be created on each branch.

Kink
Kink, measured in degrees, determines the variance of a branch from its path. With a kink setting of 0 degrees, the branch will follow the path. The higher the setting, the more pronounced the deviation from the path.

Branch Twist
The branches can be curved using the Branch Twist setting. When set to 0 degrees, each branch's path will be straight. (Remember that Kink also affects the appearance of the branches.)

Twist Deviation
Twist Deviation governs variations between branches. Lower values maintain consistent appearance from branch to branch. Higher values will produce irregular paths for the branches.

Keep Angle
When checked, all of the copies produced will maintain the vertical orientation of the original object. When Keep Angle is unchecked, the copies will be oriented perpendicular to their paths.

Core Radius
The distance from the base of each branch to the center of the Live Galaxy is controlled by the Core Radius. The distance is in the document's unit of measure. When set to zero, the points of origin of all branches are in the center of the object. When the Core Radius is zero or higher, the original object will be at the base of the branch that originates to the left of center. A negative value for Core Radius moves the center to the right of the original object. The circle formed by the bases of all the branches (the core space) will have a radius equal to the Core Radius, hence the name. Core Radius is measured from the left-center point of the original object's path.

Core Deviation
When the Core Deviation is set to 0, the distance from the Live Galaxy object's center to the start of each branch will be the distance specified in the Core Radius. The larger the Core Deviation value, the greater the irregularity in the Core Radius for each of the branches.

Show Center Mark
When selected, this option shows the center of the Live Galaxy with a small cross.

Spread
The Spread is the distance that each branch extends outward from its base. If the Spread is set to zero, the branches form a circle along the core space. (The core space is the circle from which all branches originate.) When a negative number is used, the branches extend inward toward the center of the Live Galaxy object. When a negative Spread is larger than the Core Radius, the branches extend through the middle and toward the opposite side of the core space.

Spread Deviation
Spread Deviation provides variation among the branch Spreads. The distance that each branch extends outward from the core space can vary by up to the amount specified in the Spread Deviation.

Shrink/Grow
Shrink/Grow determines the sizes of the copies created by Live Galaxy. The farther from the core center a copy is, the closer is gets to the specified size. When negative numbers are used, the copies will shrink and then enlarge to the value selected. For example, if -100 is input as the Shrink/Grow value, the copies will get smaller until they reach the minimum size of 1%, then they will increase in size until reaching 100% of the original object's size at the ends of the branches. Live Galaxy calculates the negative value to ensure a smooth rate of change. For example, if -100 is entered, the copies will reach their smallest size half-way from the beginning of the branches to the end. If the Shrink/Grow value is -50, the smallest copies will be two-thirds of the way from the beginning to the end of the branch.

Size Deviation
Size Deviation introduces variation in the size of the copies along the branches.

Stacking
Stacking determines whether copies will appear above or below the previous copy as they extend outward along the branches. If Above is selected, the more distant a copy is from the center, the higher it is in the stacking order. The farthest copies are on top. When Below is selected, the farthest copies are at the bottom of the stacking order and appear in back on the Artboard.

Same Sequence
Same Sequence maintains the same pattern of copies while you change options in Live Galaxy. If unchecked, each change will generate a new set of copies and a new Live Galaxy.

Live Update
Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Galaxy is creating a high number of steps. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Galaxy settings as you make changes.

Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the copies created by Live Galaxy. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Galaxy effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Generation produces copies of the original object or objects in a continuous string. By default, the copies are produced along a spiral and decrease in size. You can, however, adjust the settings within Live Generation to produce copies that increase in size and you can vary the path along which they are created. Remember that Live Generation does not scale the original object's stroke.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”

Example:

From sample file live_generation_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Generation” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Generation” panel will open.
   
3. Create an Ellipse on the document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Ellipse Tool” and draw an ellipse with Width as 50 pt, Height as 20 pt. Set the Fill Color to White, the Stroke Color to Black, and the Stroke Weight to 1 pt.
   
4. Select the Ellipse.
   
5. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
7. Change the Size, Fill, and Stroke on the Ellipse.
   
8. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Total
The value entered in Total regulates the number of copies produced. The number of objects can range from 2 (the original plus one copy) to 1000.

Relative Space
The Relative Space option maintains a distance between copies based on a percentage of the copies' sizes. The distance between copies will be adjusted if the size of the original object is changed. Remember that Relative Size takes into account the width of the original object's stroke.

Absolute Space
The Absolute Space option determines the distance between copies in the document's unit of measure. You input the spacing desired between the original object and the first copy. Live Generation will calculate the appropriate distance for the copies of various sizes. Changes to the original object do not affect the distance between copies when Absolute Space is selected.

Recurrent Rate
The percentage entered in Recurrent Rate determines both the size and distance of the copies. Each copy is reduced and offset from the preceding copy by the amount input. Negative numbers from -1 to -99 will produce copies that are smaller than the original. Negative numbers beyond -100 produce larger copies, with an alternating offset pattern. (Because the objects are stacked, unstroked objects may not be apparent on the Artboard unless expanded.) The Recurrent Rate can range from -1000 to 1000 percent.

Angle
The initial direction of the path created by Live Generation is determined by the Angle value. It can be changed by using the up and down arrow, by entering a value in the Angle field, by using preset values from the pop-up menu, or by dragging the indicator in the Angle dial.

Angle Increase
The Angle Increase determines the course of the path along which the copies are placed. Each additional copy will be added to the path at the angle specified. When the angle is set to a value other than 0 degrees, the result is a spiral-like progression. Higher values produce tighter spirals. The value can ranges from -3600 degrees to 3600 degrees.

Stacking
Stacking determines whether copies will be placed above or below the original object on the Artboard. Stacking is cumulative - each copy will follow the pattern, being placed above or below all previous copies.

Live Update
Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Generation is creating a high number of steps. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Generation settings as you make changes.

Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the copies created by Live Generation. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Generation effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Neon creates a series of neon-like colors along a path. The object's stroke is replaced with the Live Neon effect, and the fill is discarded. Live Neon uses the object's fill color (highlight) and stroke color (base) to produce the effect.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”

NOTE: Depending on your PC, when selecting “Illustrator > View > GPU Preview” it may take a long time for drawing. In that case, change to “Illustrator > View > Preview on CPU.” You can turn on/off GPU Performance from Illustrator’s Preferences.

Example:

From sample file live_neon_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Neon” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Neon” panel will open.
   
3. Type “FILTERiT5” and create text object on the document’s artboard. Set font style to Bold, font size as 72 pt, Fill Color to White, and Stroke Weight to 6 pt.
   The width of Neon is specified by Stroke Weight of Object. The gradient is done by Stroke Color and Fill Color of Object.
4. Select the text object.
   
5. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
7. Create a rectangle path behind the text object and set the fill color to black.
8. Change text object on the artboard.
   
9. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Tracks
Tracks determines the number of highlight-colored bands that will appear within the Live Neon effect. The value can range from 1 to 1000.

Gradient Arc
The blend between the base and highlight colors for each band is set with the Gradient Arc slider. The three preset buttons are -100%, 0%, and 100%. At 0%, the two colors are blended smoothly; at -100%, the highlight color sharply tapers to the base color; at 100%, the bands of highlight color take precedence, blending more gradually to the base color.

Contrast
Contrast determines the ratio between the highlight and base colors. The value can range from 0% to 1000%. The higher the value, the more prominent the highlight color is relationship to the base color. Contrast values below 100% increase the amount of the base color visible through the highlight color.

Auto Stroke Styling [Recommended]
Use 'Cap: Round' 'Corner: Round Joint' as the style of the Stroke. Due to the nature of this effect, selecting this checkbox is recommended.

Auto Steps and Manual Steps
Live Neon allows you to specify the number of steps in the effect's blend by selecting Manual Steps. You can also allow Live Neon to determine the blending rate by choosing low, medium, or high Auto Steps.

TIP: The number of intermediary objects generated with the steps settings determines not only the smoothness of the blend, but also the complexity of the resulting gradient. Auto Steps (High) can generate hundreds of intermediary steps, resulting in a very complex gradient.

Offset
Offsetting Live Neon will appear to shift the effect within the stroke. The Offset percentage is in relationship to the width of the stroke; Angle determines the direction.

Light Emitting (Group Box)
Add luminescent band around Neon. The Width and Gradient Arc can be specified, and the color will be the same as neon.
“Width” controls the width of the luminescent band around the size of Neon (Stroke Width).
“Gradient Arc” specifies gradation curve for luminescent band by setting gradual mixture ratio between base color (Stroke Color) and transparency. There are 3 icons for set of curves : -100% (reversed arc), 0% (straight line), 100% (arc). Otherwise, it will be proportionally distributed the gradation curve.
“Contrast“ controls density difference of luminescent band graduation.

TIP: To make neon stands out, set “Contrast” to the small value or make adjustment depending on Gradient Arc and the background.

Shadow
The Shadow option is used to create lighting effects. You can choose the darkness of the shadow (Tint), the distance (Offset, from 0 to 4000 points, or the equivalent in the unit of measure specified in the Preferences), and the direction in which the shadow will fall (Light Angle).

Live Update
Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Neon is creating a high number of steps. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Neon settings as you make changes.

Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the intermediary steps created by Live Neon. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Neon effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Reflections creates mirror images of selected object(s). Grouped objects will be reproduced as a set. Live Reflections offers four choices of reflection, as well as control over the distance between the original and the copy.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”

Example:

From sample file live_reflections_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Reflections” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Reflections” panel will open.
   
3. Type “FILTERiT5” and create text object on the document’s artboard. Set font style to bold and font size as 36 pt.
   
4. Select the text object.
   
5. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
7. Change text object on the artboard.
   
8. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Horizontal: The selected object or objects will be reflected across a horizontal axis, producing a mirror image, by default, below the original.
Vertical: The selection will be reflected across a vertical axis, producing a mirror image, by default, to the left of the original.
Both H and V: The selection will be reproduced three times. By default, one copy will be reflected across a horizontal axis, one copy will be reflected across a vertical axis, and the third copy will be reflected across each axis. The result is four objects, in a two-by-two pattern, with the original in the upper-right corner.
Radial: When Radial is selected, by default Live Reflections will reflect the original object(s) across the vertical axis to create a pair of objects. It will then create the number of pairs specified in Total (see below) and distribute them around a central point.

Offset H
The horizontal distance between the original and the reflected copy is specified in Offset H. It is available for Vertical, Both H and V, and Radial. Negative numbers will move the reflection to the right. Values can range from -1000 points (or the equivalent in the unit of measure specified in the Preferences) to 1000 points.

Offset V
The vertical distance between the original and the reflected copy is specified in Offset V. It is available for Horizontal, Both H and V, and Radial. Negative numbers will move the reflection upward. Values can range from -1000 points (or the equivalent) to 1000 points.

Total
Total is available only for Radial. You specify how many reflected copies should be created. Remember that for values higher than 1, Live Reflections first reflects the original object(s) across the vertical axis to create a pair of objects, and then applies the Total number. Total can range from 1 to 50.

Live Update
Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Reflections is creating a high number of copies using the Radial option. Unchecking Live Update leaves the selection unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Reflections settings as you make changes.

Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the intermediary steps created by Live Reflections. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Reflections effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Shadow creates drop shadows below a selected object. The Shade, Offset, Light Angle, and Transparency settings can be adjusted using the pop-up list, the up and down arrows, or by entering a number in the fields.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
This effect is compatible with Illustrator’s “Action.”

Example:

From sample file live_shadow_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Shadow” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Shadow” panel will open.
   
3. Type “FILTERiT5” and put text object in the middle of the rectangle. Set font style to Bold, font size as 72 pt, Fill Color to Orange (R:255, G:128, B:0), and Stroke to none.
   
4. Select the text object.
   
5. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
7. Try to move “Transparency” slider.
   
8. Change text object on the artboard.
   
9. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Shade
Shade, measured in percent, determines the darkness of the shadow. 100% is black, 0% is white.

Offset
Offset is measured in points. The distance between the object and its shadow can range from zero to 4000 points, or the equivalent in the unit of measure specified in the Preferences.

Light Angle
Light Angle determines the direction of the shadow from the object, in degrees. In addition to the three methods of assigning a value described above, you can use the mouse to drag the indicator in the Light Angle indicator circle.

Transparency
The transparency of the object is measured in percent. The change in opacity affects the object in relationship to its shadow, but does not change the transparency of the shadow. In addition to the three methods of assigning a value described above, you can change the object's opacity using the slider.

Live Update
When checked, Live Update applies changes in the palette to the object automatically. This allows you to observe changes as you make them. When unchecked, you can make changes to the Live Shadow settings and then click the Apply button. Screen redraw times may be substantially faster.

Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates a separate object from the shadow. It is grouped with the original object. The Release button removes the effect. Any selected object or objects will be updated with the current Live Shadow settings when the Apply button is clicked.

Note: When applied to a group, the objects' shadows all fall below the group. When applied to two or more ungrouped objects, each shadow appears directly below its object.

When an object has an opacity of less than 100% in Illustrator's Transparency palette, the Live Shadow effect depends upon the relative stacking order of the object's fill and stroke. Illustrator's Appearances palette allows you to rearrange the fill and stroke of a selected object, moving one above or below the other.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Symbol Path places instance from “Symbol”(*) along the outline of selected object (path or text or its group) based on various specifications.
Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
If “Symbol” is edited, the live object with correspondence “Symbol” will also be updated.

* “Symbol” refers to the selected Symbol or Symbols (multiple selected) from Illustrator’s Symbol panel.

Example:

From sample file live_symbolpath_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Symbol Path” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Symbol Path” panel will open.
   
3. Create an ellipse on the document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Ellipse Tool” and draw it. Set Width to 500 pt, Height to 300 pt, Fill Color to White, Stroke Color to Black, and Stroke Weight to 1 pt.
   
4. Select one or more Symbol from Illustrator’s “Symbol” panel.
   
5. Select the ellipse.
   
6. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
7. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
8. Change “End-alignment” setting to “By Size.” The joint for placed Symbol instances on Ellipse Path will be adjusted.
   
9. Select other Symbol from Illustrator’s “Symbol” panel.
   
10. Click “Apply” button. An alert message about the change of Symbol instance will appear. Click “OK,” and Symbol instances will be replaced.
    
11. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Space
Specify the space between each Symbol instances with the relative width. 1/2 size of each instances’ width will be added as space in between. By checking "Equally” on the right side of the input field, each space will be based on mean value even when multiple Symbol instances with different size are used.

Size
Specify the scaling of Symbol instance. If “Scale Stroke” option is checked, Stroke Weight will also scale.

NOTE: “Scale Strokes” option is active only when “Expand Symbol Instances” option is selected. In this example, we assume that this option is always selected.

Expand Symbol Instances
Equivalent to placing Symbol instance after expanding via “Illustrator > Object > Expand…” menu. This option enables to specify the color of “Fade.” Also be able to use “Untrue H/V,” “Fill” and “Stroke” options in “Fluctuations” (Group Box).

NOTE: If this option is selected and when Symbol is edited, its result will not reflect on the Live Object.

Proportion Stroke Weight
If Profile for Path’s Stroke is not equal, Symbol instance will scale in proportion to Weight. To determine scale-up or down, specify “Datum Weight” value on the right side of this option.

TIP: To check the effect of this option, select Profile with the unequal width from Illustrator’s Stroke panel to the applied path, or increase the width of Stroke by Illustrator’s “Width Tool.” In that case, Illustrator’s “Expand…” command is disabled. To Expand, click “Expand” button on this panel.

End-alignment
No: No adjustment on end alignment. Symbol instance may overlap or create space in between at the end edge.
By Size: In order to make equal space between all Symbol instances on the Path, the Size will be adjusted.
By Space: In order to make equal space between all Symbol instances on the Path, the spacing will be adjusted.

Fade (Group Box)
No: Normal arrangement.
Yes: Use the number of instances and create fade with transparent or specified color or both.
Steps: Use the specified number and create fade with transparent or specified color or both.

NOTE: Unless “Expand Symbol Instances” option is selected, color (CMYK) option can not be used.

TIP: To change the direction of Fade, you can reverse segment order of original path. To do that, select the anchor point on the end point and click it using Illustrator’s Pen Tool. If it is a closed one, make sure to cut off at anchor point on the end point first. To re-connect, Release the Live Symbol Path’s effect.

Fluctuations (Group Box)
You can add offset to placed Symbol instance (or its Expanded object) specified with maximum and minimum values in this settings.
The offset can be specified with options from “Change Symbols,” “Space H(%),” “Space V(%)” through “Fill, Stroke (Color).”

NOTE: Unless “Expand Symbol Instances” option is selected, “Untrue H/V” and “Fill, Stroke (Color)” options are inactive.

Each option has three checkboxes (“Random,” “+ -,” and “Reverse”) and radio button to select one of option from “Normal/Weight/Direction/Repeat.” But some options may have fixed value and can not be changed.
The following explains mainly about details on three checkboxes. As for the radio button, we assume that “Normal” is selected and explain differences in the case of choosing other options.

If input value for “Spade H(%)” through “Fill, Stroke (Color)” options are F, the offset will be as the follows.

“Random(%)” value is 0 or “Random” is checked off:
If “+ -” is checked, offset will be based on -F and +F alternately, if not it will be constant F. (If “Reverse” is checked, the positive and negative will be reversed)
“Random(%)” value is more than 0 or “Random” is checked on:
If “+ -” is checked, the random value will be created from adding “Random(%)” value to the range between -F to +F. If not, it will be done from adding “Random(%)” value to the range between 0 to F. Higher the value of “Random(%)” creates bigger scattering within the range. (If “Reverse” is checked, the positive and negative will be reversed)

Settings on “Same Sequence” fields are active only when multiple Symbols are selected. If multiple Symbol instances are placed, the appearance will be the same as above.
Except “Angle(°)” option, any options from “Space H(%)” to ”Untrue V(%)” are relative value of horizontal size for Symbol instance (or its Expanded object).
Above is in case “Normal” is selected by the radio button. If “Weight” is selected, relative change takes place based on Stroke’s Weight. If “Direction” is selected, relative change takes place based on the slope of a tangent for the Path. For “Direction,” reference angle can be specified by “Shift(°).” Also if “Repeat” is selected, the specified “Cycle” will be used as the sequence to make the relative change. If “Same Sequence” is checked when applying random value, the same sequence will repeatedly be.

NOTE: In the case of replacing to different Symbol by specifying “Same Sequence,” if the size of the bounding box for Symbol is different, the appearance for placed symbol instance will change.

Live Update
Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Reflections is creating a high number of copies using the Radial option. Unchecking Live Update leaves the selection unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Reflections settings as you make changes.

Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the intermediary steps created by Live Reflections. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Reflections effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Tiling creates rows and columns of copies of the original selection. You can apply Live Tiling to a single object, multiple objects, groups. By default, copies will be created to the right and up from the original. You can specify changes in size and rotation for the copies.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.

Example:

From sample file live_tiling_01.ai (Artboard 1)

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Tiling” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Tiling” panel will open.
   
3. On the document’s artboard, draw a rectangle using Illustrator’s “Rectangle Tool” and set Width to 30 pt, Height to 10 pt, Fill Color to Red and Stroke to none.
   
4. Select the rectangle.
   
5. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings”.
   
6. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
7. Select panel space setting as “Absolute Space,” set “Horizontal” to 3 pt and “Vertical” to 3 pt.
   
8. Check “Random Scaling” option in “Offset and Scaling” group.
   
9. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.
   
10. Continue to “Mask to Align Pattern” option below.

Setting items:

Columns x Rows
Specify the number of columns to align tiles in the vertical direction and the number of rows to align tiles in the horizontal direction.

Relative Space / Absolute Space (Group Box)
Specify horizontal and vertical space between tiles in relative value (%) or absolute value.

Checkerwise
Align tiles in a checkered pattern.

Offset and Scaling (Group Box)
Select direction of offset and scaling in “Horizontally” or “Vertically.”
If “Cumulatively” is not selected, the offset for tiles will be created alternately based on the value set in “Offset.” If this option is selected, offset will be in stepwise.
If “Random Scaling” is selected, each tile will randomly scale up or down within specified range.

Mask to Align Pattern
In order to save as Illustrator’s Pattern in “Swatches” panel, a clipping mask for the positioning purpose needs to be created.
The example for this option is explained below. It is continued the example from the above.

1. Check “Mask to Align Pattern” option.
2. Check “Offset” option and enter 100. The random scale will be specified in a horizontal direction, and random offset occurs on each row within specified offset range.
   
3. Check “Mask to Align Pattern” option. Object’s top, bottom, left and right end will be masked based on the position of joint.
   
4. Select “Illustrator > Object> Pattern > Make…” menu. Illustrator’s 'Pattern Editing Mode’ starts and “Pattern Options” panel will open.
   
5. On Illustrator’s “Pattern Options” panel, set “Tile Type” to “Grid”, and check “Size Tile to Art” option. Tile objects will stick together in clip region. That is it for using a short clip.
   
6. Uncheck “Size Tile to Art” option.
   
7. Select editing object.
   
8. Select “Illustrator > Object > Clipping Mask> Release” menu. This will make the short clip to release.
   
9. Click “Done” on the upper left of the document window and exit 'Pattern Editing Mode.’
   Pattern from Live Tiling has been saved in Illustrator’s “Swatches” panel. Let’s use this Pattern.
10. Create an ellipse on document’s artboard using Illustrator’s “Ellipse Tool.” Set Width to 300 pt and Height to 200 pt.
    
11. Select Fill Color of Ellipse to the Pattern that has been saved in Illustrator’s “Swatches” panel.

    

    From sample file live_tiling_01.ai (Artboard 2)

Fluctuation (Group Box)
(Assuming specified value is F) From the range between -F to F, “Offset H/V,” ”Size H/V,” and ”Angle” can be applied to tiles to create scattering effect.

To... (Group Box)
Tiles align proportionally on each column according to the horizontal scale and rotation angle of the leftmost column specified by “Scaling H(%)” and “Rotation H(°).”
Tiles align proportionally on each row according to the vertical scale and rotation angle of the topmost row specified by “Scaling V(%)” and “Rotation V(°).”
If “Resize Spaces” is checked, scaling value will be added proportionally to the space between columns and rows.
“Stacking H” and “Stacking V” determine how neighboring overlap.
“Stacking H“ specifies whether tiles stack on top or bottom to the rightward direction.
“Stacking V“ specifies whether tiles stack on top or bottom to the upward direction.

Live Update
Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Tiling is creating a high number of copies. Unchecking Live Update leaves the selection unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Tiling settings as you make changes.

Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the intermediary steps created by Live Tiling. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Tiling effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Live Trail, like its counterpart Trail Tool, creates a series of copies of an object. By controlling the size, tint, location, and color of the copies, you can convey changes in the appearance or location of the object. The copies created by the Live Trail will be grouped. The Live Trail can be used with one of more objects. If multiple objects are selected, the Live Trail will copy them individually, whether grouped or not.

Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.

Example:

From sample file live_trail_01.ai

1. Create new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Select “Illustrator > Window > FILTERiT5 > Live Trail” menu. “FILTERiT5: Live Trail” panel will open.
   
3. Create a rectangle on document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Rectangle Tool” and draw a rectangle. Set Width to 100 pt, Height to 50 pt, and match color mode to the document’s setting.
   
4. Select the rectangle.
   
5. From the panel menu (located on the upper right corner), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. Click “Apply” button on the panel.
   
7. In “To…” group, change “Angle(°)” to 360, “Size H(%)” and “Size V(%)” to 20.
   
8. In “Center of Transform” group, change “Distance” to 100 pt. If “Show Center Mark” is checked, cross-hair guide appears on the document as the center of the transform. If it is not visible, try to uncheck and check again.
   
9. In “Trail” group, move “Length” slider from left to right and see how object changes.
   
10. Change the shape or color of the rectangle on the document.
    
11. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Stacking
The first option in the Live Trail palette determine whether the copies will be created above or below the original.

Beginning
Beginning determines the fill and stroke tint of the first copy. Remember that the original is not included. If the intent is to create a smooth blend from the original with a tint of 100% to a final copy with a lower tint value, the first copy should be at a tint slightly less than 100%.

Steps
Steps determines the number of copies that will be created.

Space
The three Space options allow you to specify the relative positions of the copies.

Dec: The Deceleration option groups the copies closer together toward the end of the drag.
Uni: With Uniform selected, the copies will be evenly spaced throughout the drag.
Acc: The Acceleration option results in copies that are grouped farther apart toward the end of the drag.

To.... (Group Box)
The options in the To.... box determine the characteristics of the final copy. The Live Trail will uniformly blend over distance the characteristics from the original to the final copy. Remember that the blend is created over distance, rather than by the number of copies created, so the Decelerate and Accelerate options may affect the appearance of the copies.

Color
The two swatches represent the fill color (left) and the stroke color (right) of the final copy. There are several ways to change the fill or stroke color in the palette.

･ You can click on the swatches to change them to the color of the currently-selected object. (You should choose a different color-selection option if multiple objects are selected on the Artboard.)
･ You can hold down the Alt key to sample colors from any object on the Artboard, selected or not.
･ With no object selected on the Artboard, you can click the swatches in the Live Trail palette to select the current foreground and background colors in the Colors palette.
･ You can also use any of the four buttons below the swatches. The rectangular button labeled "OBJECT" will apply the fill or stroke color of the currently-selected object. When multiple objects are selected on the Artboard, the Live Trail will produce copies for each in the original object's colors. For example, if an object with a red stroke and an object with a blue stroke are both selected on the Artboard and the Object option is chosen for the stroke color, the copies of the red-stroked object will have red strokes; the copies of the blue-stroked object will have blue strokes. The three square buttons below the Object button represent, from left, white, black, and None. If any of these are selected for either the fill or stroke, the final copy will have that attribute.
･ You can also select a color by Option (Alt for Windows) clicking on the swatches and the Color Picker will appear on your desktop.

The two-headed arrow between the color swatches in the Live Trail palette will swap the colors between fill and stroke.

Note: Because Illustrator allows only one color mode per document, the To: fill and stroke colors must be of the same color mode as the document, either CMYK or RGB. (Grayscale will be converted to the document's color mode.)

Tint
Tint determines the tint of the final copy as a percentage of the To.... fill and stroke. Note that Tint will be over-ridden by "Object" as a selection for the fill or the stroke.

Opacity
Opacity determines the opacity of the final copy as a percentage of the To.... fill and stroke.

Angle
The final copy will be created at the angle specified in relation to the orientation of the original object. Positive values will rotate the copies counterclockwise; negative values rotate the copies clockwise. Intermediary copies will be rotated to produce a smooth progression from the original object to the final copy.

Size H
Size H determines the horizontal size of the final copy, measured as a percentage of the original object's horizontal size.

Size V
Size V determines the Vertical size of the final copy, measured as a percentage of the original object's Vertical size.

TIP: By holding down the shift key and specify “Size H(%)” or “Size V(%), the same value will be entered in both fields.

Center of Transform (Group Box)
Specify the center of the transform by “Direction” and “Offset” from the center of the original object.
If “Show Center Mark” is checked, the position will be displayed by cross-hair guide. If the guide is not visible, try to uncheck and check again.

Tail End (Group Box)
Specify the tail end of Trail by “Direction” and “Offset” from the center of the transform.

Live Update
Updating the Artboard while you work can result in slow screen redraw times, especially when Live Trail is creating a high number of steps. Unchecking this option leaves the selected object unchanged until you click the Apply button. When checked, Live Update will automatically apply the Live Trail settings as you make changes.

Expand/Release/Apply
The Expand button creates individual objects from each of the intermediary steps created by Live Trail. The objects will be grouped. The Release button removes the Live Trail effect. The Apply button applies the current settings to selected objects.

Panel Menu
The Panel menu is accessed by clicking the icon in the upper right corner of the panel.
You can reset the panel setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

If you are unsure of which FILTERiT 5 effect has been applied to an object, simply select the object on the Artboard and use ther Show Panel command. The appropriate Live effect Panel will open. If the selected object does not have a FILTERiT 5 live effect applied, a beep will sound. If more than one object is selected, the Panels for all applied effects will be opened.

Like other FILTERiT 5 commands, Show Panel is accessed through the Window> FILTERiT 5 menu command. If a FILTERiT 5 Panel is already open in Illustrator, you can select an object on the Artboard and Alt-click the ? button in the open Panel. The appropriate Panel for the effect applied to the selected object will open.

TIP: If you select FILTERiT 5 live object on the document, the name of the object will display as ’FILTERiT5: Live …’ on Illustrator’s ‘Appearance’ panel.

FILTERiT 5 Effect is under “Illustrator > Effect > FILTERiT5” submenu.

If you access the menu in selecting your object　(path or text or its group), the panel including “FILTERiT5: … Effect” title appears.
For the object which has already applied FILTERiT 5 Effect, you can edit the original one, and the effect one will be automatically update.

NOTE: If you open the Illustrator file that contains the object with FILTERiT 5 Effect by Illustrator that FILTERiT 5 is not installed, the following alert message will be displayed.

“The document '[File Name].ai' contains elements that are managed by plug-ins that are not currently available. You can delete or expand these elements, but you cannot manipulate them in other ways. The missing plug-ins are listed below. (List of uninstalled plugins)”

Please note, this is not an error message. If necessary, you can expand the elements from “Illustrator > Object > Expand Appearance” menu command. Even if you Expand them, the appearances are valid, and you will not see the alert message when opening the file.

TIP: You can check which Effect has been used on the object using “Appearance” panel of Illustrator. Also, if you click 'FILTERiT5: …' Effect entry on Appearance panel, the appropriate dialog window will open and show the settings for the selected object.

 

FILTERiT 5 Filter is under “Illustrator > Object > Filters > FILTERiT5” submenu.

If you access the menu in selecting your object　(path or its group) , the panel including “FILTERiT5: … Filter” title appears.

 

FILTERiT 5 Effect / Filter dialog window contains the following interface in common.

Preview
Check this box to see the result of the effect(or filter) prior to its application. The artboard is automatically updated as you change values. When the effect(or filter) is applied to extremely complex paths, you may want to uncheck Preview until you've entered your target values.

Cancel/OK
The cancel button terminates the effect(or filter) dialog box without changing the selected object; the OK button applies the effect(or filter) with the selected settings.

Pop-up menu
In the lower-left corner of the Smart Rounding dialog box is a triangle that gives access to the pop-up menu.
You can reset the window settings to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Fractalize Effect subdivides segment of the selected object (path or text or its group) and replaces with specified Instance from Generator (graphical primitive). Replacement repeats depending on the number of Levels.
Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
Illustrator’s “Expand Appearance” and “Blend” commands can be used.
It can be added to Illustrator’s “Graphic Styles” panel.

NOTE: This effect applies after specified setting on Fill and Stroke. Please check the order of applied entry from Illustrator’s 'Appearance' panel.

TIP: By controlling Illustrator’s 'Appearance' panel, the effect can only be applied to object’s 'Fill' and 'Stroke.’ It also can add to Illustrator’s 'Graphic Styles' panel.

Example:

From sample file effect_fractalize_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Create a rectangle on the document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Rectangle Tool” and draw it. Set Width to 144pt (2 in), Height to 72pt (1 in), Fill Color to White, Stroke Color to Black, and Stroke Weight to 1pt.
   
3. Select the rectangle.
   
4. Select “Illustrator > Effect > FILTERiT5 > Fractalize...” menu. “FILTERiT5: Fractalize Effect” panel will open.
5. From the Pop-up menu (located on the lower left of window), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. On “Generator” option, select “Equilateral Triangle3” and check “Flip Across” option.
7. Set “Max. Count per Inch” to 1.
8. Set “Level” to 3.
9. Try changing the value of “Level” and “Max. Count per Inch.”
10. Once you configure settings, click “OK” and close the window.
    
11. Try changing the shape of Effect object on the artboard.
    
12. Open Illustrator’s “Appearance” panel.
    
13. Select Effect object and click entry from “FILTERiT5: Fractalize…” on “Appearance” panel. During setting up the selected object, “FILTERiT5: Fractalize Effect” dialog window will open.
    
14. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Generator
The shape of the added path segments is selected from the Generator pop-up menu. Each icon in the menu indicates the shape of the generator.
By checking “Flip Horizontal” and “Flip Vertical” options, horizontal and vertical directions of Generator instance will be reversed.

At a constant size
If this option is selected, the length of subdivided segment for the replacement will be the inverse number of “Max. Count per Inch” input value (1 inch（= 72 pt）÷ input value). If there is excessive segment due to subdivision or segment is smaller than subdivided size, the segment will not be replaced by Generator instance.

Level
When Levels is set to a number higher than 1, Fractalize will be applied multiple times with the same settings. (Increasing the number of levels is the same as setting Levels to 1 and running Fractalize multiple times.)

Max. Count per Inch
Depending on whether “At a constant size” option is selected or not, the result may vary as explained below. In these examples, “A” is the subdivide unit quantity for the length of path (1 inch（= 72 pt）÷ input value)
If “At a constant size” option is selected:
The each segment is divided by “A” value, and the results are replaced with the generator instances. Any remaining that can not be divided; it remains as the shape of the original path. Also, any segment less than “A” remains as it is.
If “At a constant size” option is not selected:
The each segment is divided equally by “segment length ÷ A” value and then the results are replaced with the generator instances. In this case, any initial segment less than “A” will also be replaced.

NOTE: Anchor point for the original path’s segment remains the same.

NOTE: If the number of maximum segment per single path exceeds 32,000 (Illustrator’s specification), all replacement will be canceled. In that case, try to decrease the value for “Level” or “Max. Count per Inch”.

Height
The height of each generator instance is calculated as a percentage of the distance between the base points.

Skip Size
The half of target segment length will be skipped (create space) by this value. Higher value creates less area for Generator instance. For example, if the value is 100%, the segment will have equal space for the area of Generator instance and this skip space.

Shift Size per Skip
Specifies how much shift (displace) per “Skip Size” will be created for the replacement position. The shift will be along the path. This option is valid if “Skip Size” is bigger than zero.

Distortion
Randomly moves anchor points before the replacement. The input value will be relative length based on the value in “Max. Count per Inch”. If “Act on Generator Instances” is selected, replaced generator instances will be distorted.

New Sequence
New Sequence generates a new set of variables for Distortion. If Distortion is set to 0, it has no effect.

Preview
Check this box to see the result of the effect prior to its application. The artboard is automatically updated as you change values. When the effect is applied to extremely complex paths, you may want to uncheck Preview until you've entered your target values.

Cancel/OK
The cancel button terminates the effect dialog box without changing the selected object; the OK button applies the effect with the selected settings.

Pop-up menu
In the lower-left corner of the Fractalize dialog box is a triangle that gives access to the pop-up menu.
You can reset the window setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Fractalize Effect subdivides segment of the selected object (path or its group) and replaces with specified Instance from Generator (graphical primitive). Replacement repeats depending on the number of Levels.

Example:

From sample file effect_fractalize_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Create a rectangle on the document’s artboard. Use Illustrator’s “Rectangle Tool” and draw it. Set Width to 144pt (2 in), Height to 72pt (1 in), Fill Color to White, Stroke Color to Black, and Stroke Weight to 1pt.
   
3. Select the rectangle.
   
4. Select “Illustrator >Object > Filters > FILTERiT5 > Fractalize...” menu. “FILTERiT5: Fractalize Filter” panel will open.
5. From the Pop-up menu (located on the lower left of window), select “Default Settings.”
   
6. On “Generator” option, select “Equilateral Triangle3” and check “Flip Across” option.
7. Set “Max. Count per Inch” to 1.
8. Set “Level” to 3.
9. Try changing the value of “Level” and “Max. Count per Inch.”
10. Once you configure settings, click “OK” and close the window.

    Setting items:

    Generator
    The shape of the added path segments is selected from the Generator pop-up menu. Each icon in the menu indicates the shape of the generator.
    By checking “Flip Horizontal” and “Flip Vertical” options, horizontal and vertical directions of Generator instance will be reversed.

    At a constant size
    If this option is selected, the length of subdivided segment for the replacement will be the inverse number of “Max. Count per Inch” input value (1 inch（= 72 pt）÷ input value). If there is excessive segment due to subdivision or segment is smaller than subdivided size, the segment will not be replaced by Generator instance.

    Level
    When Levels is set to a number higher than 1, Fractalize will be applied multiple times with the same settings. (Increasing the number of levels is the same as setting Levels to 1 and running Fractalize multiple times.)

    Max. Count per Inch
    Depending on whether “At a constant size” option is selected or not, the result may vary as explained below. In these examples, “A” is the subdivide unit quantity for the length of path (1 inch（= 72 pt）÷ input value)
    If “At a constant size” option is selected:
    The each segment is divided by “A” value, and the results are replaced with the generator instances. Any remaining that can not be divided; it remains as the shape of the original path. Also, any segment less than “A” remains as it is.
    If “At a constant size” option is not selected:
    The each segment is divided equally by “segment length ÷ A” value and then the results are replaced with the generator instances. In this case, any initial segment less than “A” will also be replaced.

    NOTE: Anchor point for the original path’s segment remains the same.

    NOTE: If the number of maximum segment per single path exceeds 32,000 (Illustrator’s specification), all replacement will be canceled. In that case, try to decrease the value for “Level” or “Max. Count per Inch”.

    Height
    The height of each generator instance is calculated as a percentage of the distance between the base points.

    Skip Size
    The half of target segment length will be skipped (create space) by this value. Higher value creates less area for Generator instance. For example, if the value is 100%, the segment will have equal space for the area of Generator instance and this skip space.

    Shift Size per Skip
    Specifies how much shift (displace) per “Skip Size” will be created for the replacement position. The shift will be along the path. This option is valid if “Skip Size” is bigger than zero.

    Distortion
    Randomly moves anchor points before the replacement. The input value will be relative length based on the value in “Max. Count per Inch”. If “Act on Generator Instances” is selected, replaced generator instances will be distorted.

    New Sequence
    New Sequence generates a new set of variables for Distortion. If Distortion is set to 0, it has no effect.

    Preview
    Check this box to see the result of the effect prior to its application. The artboard is automatically updated as you change values. When the effect is applied to extremely complex paths, you may want to uncheck Preview until you've entered your target values.

    Cancel/OK
    The cancel button terminates the effect dialog box without changing the selected object; the OK button applies the effect with the selected settings.

    Pop-up menu
    In the lower-left corner of the Fractalize dialog box is a triangle that gives access to the pop-up menu.
    You can reset the window setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
    For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Lens Effect transforms the selected object (path or text or its group) with three optical types.
Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
Illustrator’s “Expand Appearance” and “Blend” commands can be used.
It can be added to Illustrator’s “Graphic Styles” panel.

Example:

 

 

From sample file effect_lens_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Type “FILTERiT5” and create text object on the document’s artboard. Set font size to 72 pt.
   
3. Select text object.
   
4. Select “Illustrator > Effect > FILTERiT5 > Lens...” menu. A dialog window “FILTERiT5: Lens Effect” will open.
   
5. Soon as dialog window “FILTERiT5: Lens Effect” opens, the effect will be applied.
   
6. From the Pop-up menu (located on the lower left of window), select “Default Settings.” Make sure “Preview” option is checked.
   
7. Change settings on “Bounds” and check effect.
   
8. Click “OK” and close the window.
   
9. Use Illustrator’s “Character” panel, change the text object’s attribute.
   
10. Open Illustrator’s “Appearance” panel.
    
11. Select the object with effect applied, click entry from “FILTERiT5: Lens…” on “Appearance” panel. During setting up the selected object, “FILTERiT5: Lens Effect” dialog window will open.
    
12. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Fish-eye Lens
With a positive number in the Thickness setting, any object in the center of the lens area will appear to bulge outward. With a negative Thickness setting, the center is moved away.

Magnify Lens
The Magnify Lens scales objects within the lens area. The magnification settings can range from 100% to 4000%.

Twirl Lens
The effect of the Twirl Lens is governed by two settings. Angle determines the angle (direction) of the effect, while Cycle determines the amount of twirl, and therefore the complexity of the resulting object.

Bounds
Determines the center and the size of lens based on relative value to the selected object.
You can select the base lens size to be inside or outside of the rectangle by “Inellipse” or “Circumcircle” options. (You can check default setting by clicking “Reset.”)
By holding down the shift key while setting the value on “Width” or “Height”, the same value will be entered in both fields.
By checking “Show Bounds” option, the guide will be displayed as lens region. We recommend checking this option usually. Click “Reset” to revert settings in this group to the default setting.

Preview
Check this box to see the result of the effect prior to its application. The artboard is automatically updated as you change values. When the effect is applied to extremely complex paths, you may want to uncheck Preview until you've entered your target values.

Cancel/OK
The cancel button terminates the effect dialog box without changing the selected object; the OK button applies the effect with the selected settings.

Pop-up menu
In the lower-left corner of the Fractalize dialog box is a triangle that gives access to the pop-up menu.
You can reset the window setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Warp Effect transforms the selected object (path or text or its group) using 22 types of envelope curve.
Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
Illustrator’s “Expand Appearance” and “Blend” commands can be used.
It can be added to Illustrator’s “Graphic Styles” panel.

TIP: If you need to use Arc Warp, please use “FILTERiT5: Live 3D Path”.

Example:

From sample file effect_warp_01.ai

1. Create new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Type “FILTERiT5” and create text object on the document’s artboard. Set font size to 72 pt.
   
3. Select the text object.
   
4. Select “Illustrator > Effect > FILTERiT5 > Warp...” menu. A dialog window “FILTERiT5: Warp Effect” will open.
   
5. Soon as dialog window “FILTERiT5: Warp Effect” opens, the effect will be applied.
   
6. From the Pop-up menu (located on the lower left of window), select “Default Settings.” Make sure “Preview” option is checked.
   
7. Change settings on “Distortion” and “Center Offset” to check effect.
   
8. Click “OK” and close the window.
   
9. Use Illustrator’s “Character” panel, change text object’s attribute.
   
10. Open Illustrator’s “Appearance” panel.
    
11. Select the object which effect has been applied, click entry from “FILTERiT5: Warp…” on “Appearance” panel. During setting up the selected object, “FILTERiT5: Warp Effect” dialog window will open.
12. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Style
Choose one of envelope curve from 22 patterns. The direction of warp can be specified with “Horizontal” or “Vertical” radio button.

Perspective
The Perspective option adds visual depth to the final warped object. The greater the angle of drag from the icon's cursor, the greater the perspective effect. Dragging at an angle near-perpendicular to the arrow on the cursor icon can shift the original object's position to produce perspective.

Margin
The margin value, which can range from 0% to 4000%, restricts the warping effect at the outer edges of the selected object. With a lower value, the select object's path will be proportionally more distorted the farther it is from the center. In effect, higher values lessen the impact of the Warp Tool and reduce the number of anchor points added to the selected object(s) path(s).

Bend
Specify strength of warp relative to the size of the object.

Center Offset
Specify offset from the center of warp relative to the size of the object.

Preview
Check this box to see the result of the effect prior to its application. The artboard is automatically updated as you change values. When the effect is applied to extremely complex paths, you may want to uncheck Preview until you've entered your target values.

Cancel/OK
The cancel button terminates the effect dialog box without changing the selected object; the OK button applies the effect with the selected settings.

Pop-up menu
In the lower-left corner of the Fractalize dialog box is a triangle that gives access to the pop-up menu.
You can reset the window setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

Wave Effect transforms the selected object (path or text or its group) using envelope curve based on five types of sine curve.
Original object can be edited, and the effect will automatically update.
Illustrator’s “Expand Appearance” and “Blend” commands can be used.
It can be added to Illustrator’s “Graphic Styles” panel.

Example:

From sample file effect_wave_01.ai

1. Create a new document (set Units as Points) from “Illustrator > File > New…” menu.
   
2. Type “FILTERiT5” and create text object on the document’s artboard. Set font size to 72 pt.
   
3. Select the text object.
   
4. Select “Illustrator > Effect > FILTERiT5 > Wave...” menu. A dialog window “FILTERiT5: Wave Effect” will open.
   
5. Soon as dialog window “FILTERiT5: Wave Effect” opens, the effect will be applied.
   
6. From the Pop-up menu (located on the lower left of window), select “Default Settings.” Make sure “Preview” option is checked.
   
7. Change settings on “Distortion” and “Center Offset” to check effect.
   
8. Click “OK” and close the window.
   
9. Use Illustrator’s “Character” panel, change text object’s attribute.
   
10. Open Illustrator’s “Appearance” panel.
    
11. Select the object with effect applied, click entry from “FILTERiT5: Wave…” on “Appearance” panel. During setting up the selected object, “FILTERiT5: Wave Effect” dialog window will open.
12. Change settings on the panel by referring to the following paragraph.

Setting items:

Style
Choose one of envelope curve from 5 patterns. The direction of warp can be specified with “Horizontal” or “Vertical” radio button.

Cycle
Specify cycle for sine curve. You can specify with fractional value.

Bend
Specify strength of warp (sine curve’s amplitude) relative to the size of the object.

Center Offset
Specify offset from the center of warp (sine curve’s phase) relative to the size of the object.

Preview
Check this box to see the result of the effect prior to its application. The artboard is automatically updated as you change values. When the effect is applied to extremely complex paths, you may want to uncheck Preview until you've entered your target values.

Cancel/OK
The cancel button terminates the effect dialog box without changing the selected object; the OK button applies the effect with the selected settings.

Pop-up menu
In the lower-left corner of the Fractalize dialog box is a triangle that gives access to the pop-up menu.
You can reset the window setting to 'Default Settings' or name the current settings and save as the preset menu.
For how to use the preset menu, please refer to 'Preset Menu.’

By using Preset Menu, settings in each FILTERiT 5 effects/filters can be saved with the specified name. Making it easy to restore settings from the menu item.
The menu items are located in the following menu, depending on the window and its style.

Live Effect panel window: Menu at the right end of panel title
Effect or Filter dialog window: Pop-up menu at the lower left of window
*Tool panel does not have Preset Menu.

By pressing menu mentioned above, the following menu items will display (from the top).
“Default Settings” / “Edit…” / “(Registered presets)” / “About this plug-in…”
If you choose “Default Settings,” settings in FILTERiT 5 window restore default configuration. If any presets have been registered, the entry is displayed in between “Edit…” and “About this plug-in…” menu items. By selecting one of presets, its settings will be restored in the parent window. To register or update or delete preset, choose “Edit…” and open the preset dialog window. The list in the preset dialog window displays currently registered preset entry(ies). Also, there are (from the left) “Export Selection,” “Import Option Title,” “Create New Option Title” and “Delete Selection” icons at the bottom of the window.

< Example of panel (macOS) >

Below is how to use each process.

Register
Click “Create New Option Title” icon. A dialog window will open. Enter the preset name to save current settings. If you click “OK,” the entry will be added at the end of the list. The preset menu on parent window will also be updated (this applies to all other processes below).

Apply
Double click preset entry from the list. Parent window will load the selected preset settings. The result is the same as choosing the preset menu item from the parent window.

Update
Select (highlight) one of presets (list entry) and click while holding down the option/alt key. The settings for the selected preset will be replaced by the settings from the parent window. A confirmation dialog window will display, and the name of entry can be changed.

NOTE: Only the settings from parent window will be saved. If you would like to change only the name of the preset, please follow “Apply” procedure and load the preset to parent window beforehand.

Delete
Select* the preset (list entry) and click “Delete Selection” icon.
*You can select multiple presets by holding the shift/command (Ctrl for Windows) key.

Sort
If you are on Windows, make sure to check “Drag to swap row” option beforehand.
Select one of presets (list entry) and drag to the desired position. Order of the preset will change.

Import and export
Preset files are saved in the folder named “FILTERiT5 User Settings.” “FILTERiT5 User Settings” folder is located in your “Documents” folder.

“FILTERiT5 User Settings” folder and its content can be shared between a different OS or Illustrator.
To restore all of FILTERiT 5 presets to default settings, close Illustrator and change the name of “FILTERiT5 User Settings” folder, or move the folder to a different directory, or delete the folder. The next time Illustrator launches, the preset folder will be created with default settings again.

Import
Click “Import Option Title” icon. A dialog window opens to specify the folder to import. Select “FILTERiT5 User Settings” folder from other user or backup folder equivalent to “FILTERiT5 User Settings” folder.
When an appropriate folder is selected, a new window opens, and the list of compatible (importable) presets with FILTERiT 5 feature will display. Select preset entry to import and click “OK.” Imported preset will be added at the end of the list in the preset window.

< Importing previous FILTERiT 4 Preset >
Preset from FILTERiT 4 can be imported except new FILTERiT 5 effect such as “Live Symbol Path” or “Lens/Warp/Wave Effect.” The procedure is the same as above “Import.” Choose import folder from FILTERiT 4’s “FILTERiT4 User Settings” preset folder or any backup folder you created for “FILTERiT4 User Settings.”
* “Live 3D Transform” panel for each FILTERiT 4 transform Style have merged to “Live 3D Path” panel, but preset can be imported to each Style.
* There is specification change in “Live Tiling” and may create the discrepancy in space between tiles. “Distortion” setting from “Fractalize Effect/Filter” has also changed its specification and it can not be reproduced.

Export
Select* the preset (list entry) to export and click “Export Selection” icon. A dialog window opens to specify the folder to export. Select “FILTERiT5 User Settings” folder from other user or backup folder equivalent to “FILTERiT5 User Settings” folder. Click “OK” and the selected preset file will be exported.
*You can select multiple presets by holding the shift/command (Ctrl for Windows) key.

If you have any question or need support, please contact CValley store support at support@cvalley.com.

Comm Valley, LLC
6-11-24 East Narashino,
Narashinoshi, Chiba Japan
support@cvalley.com