This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Review answers
A gradient is a graduated blend of two or more colors or tints of the same color. Gradients can be applied to the stroke or fill of an object.
To adjust the blend between colors in a linear or radial gradient, with the Gradient tool (
)selected and with the pointer over the gradient annotator or in the Gradient panel, you can drag the diamond icons or the color stops of the gradient slider.To add colors to a linear or radial gradient, in the Gradient panel, click beneath the gradient slider to add a gradient stop to the gradient. Then double-click the color stop to edit the color, using the panel that appears to mix a new color or to apply an existing color swatch. You can select the Gradient tool in the Tools panel, move the pointer over the gradient-filled object, and then click beneath the gradient slider that appears in the artwork to add or edit a color stop.
Drag with the Gradient tool to adjust the direction of a linear or radial gradient. Dragging a long distance changes colors gradually; dragging a short distance makes the color change more abruptly. You can also rotate the gradient using the Gradient tool and change the radius, aspect ratio, starting point, and more.
The difference between a gradient and a blend is the way that colors combine together—colors blend together within a gradient and between objects in a blend.
When you save a pattern in Illustrator, it is saved as a swatch in the Swatches panel. By default, swatches are saved with the currently active document.
