Stamp

This tutorial shows you how to create a stamp image with Illustrator Zig Zag effect. It is useful for designing photo edge or album cover.

Download Source File

Required: Illustrator 9+

1. Draw a Rectangle Path

Select the Rectangle Tool, create a box like the image below. Go to Effect > Distort & Transform > Zig Zag.

create a box

Zig Zag Options

When the Zig Zag window popups, check Preview to preview the result, enter Size=1, Ridges per segment=26, then click OK.

zig zag effect

2. Add Drop Shadow Effect

With the path selected, go to Effect > Stylize > Drop Shadow, and enter the following setting: Opacity=50, X Offset=1 Y Offset=2, Blur=3, and select black color.

add drop shadow

3. Place in Your Artwork

Now you can remove the stroke color and place in your artwork and align them center. That’s it!

final stamp image

Bonus Tips

If you are creating this stamp for print, make sure your Document Raster Effects Settings is 300dpi or you will get pixelated print out. To change your setting, go to Effect > Document Raster Effects Settings. If you are designing for web/screen, leave it as 72dpi because higher dpi takes more memory.

raster effects setting