When a path is selected, the Corner Effects command (Object ‚ Corner Effects) lets you apply any of several graphic embellishments to its corner points (if the path has any corner points). For example, you could use a corner effect to add pizzazz to the border of a coupon or a certificate. Generally, corner effects work best with rectangular shapes, but they can also produce interesting results when applied to free-form shapes , as shown in Figure 27-17.
To apply a corner effect to a path:
Use either of the selection tools to select the path to which you want to apply corner effects.
Choose Object Corner Effects.
The Corner Effects dialog box, shown in Figure 27-18, is displayed.
Figure 27-18: The Effect menu in the Corner Effects dialog box displays the names of five built-in corner effects. A standard corner plus the five effects are shown above the dialog box.
Choose a Corner Effect from the Effect pop-up menu.
If you want to see the effect as you create it, click Preview and, if necessary, move the dialog box out of the way so you can see the selected path.
In the Size field, enter the distance away from the corner point that the effect will extend.
After you've finished specifying the appearance of the corner effect, click OK to close the dialog box.
InDesign doesn't let you modify the built-in corner effects or add your own to the list of choices. Nor can you use the Direct Selection tool to modify the corner of a path to which a corner effect has been applied (anchor points are not displayed for the additional segments that are added when a corner effect is applied to a corner point). The only control you have over a corner effect is the value you specify in the Radius field of the Corner Effects dialog box.