Squash & Stretch scales the layer along an axis and, by default, scales it the other way across the axis so its area stays the same.
On a shape layer, Effects ▸ Squash & Stretch adds the deformer Shape Op. On other layers it adds a pixel effect with the same parameters.
Parameters
| Name | What it does | Default / range |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch | Scale along the axis. Below 1 squashes. | 1.5, 0.01–10 |
| Preserve | 1 = keep the area (the width answers the stretch); 0 = stretch only. | 1, 0–1 |
| Axis | Direction of the stretch, in degrees. | 90, −360–360 |
| Length | Cage length along the axis, px. 0 = fit the layer. | 0 |
| Offset X | Moves the cage horizontally from the layer centre, px. | 0 |
| Offset Y | Moves the cage vertically from the layer centre, px. | 0 |
| Pin | Which part of the cage stays put: Start, Center or End. | Start |