group shapes into new shape/object, not group, then edit

[gwpriester]

As far back as I can remember Xara has been able to do this using the Mould Tool and the Default Envelope. No need to group anything.

Select a shape or shapes.

Select the Mould Tool, apply a Default Envelope (see attachment).

Click on the corners to enable the control handles and shape your selection.

When you are done, you can Convert to Editable Shapes and if desired, Ungroup.