Applying Gradients

Gradient settings are specified through the Attributes palette and applied to 2D planar and screen objects through the Resource Browser or the Attributes palette. In addition, a gradient fill can be specified as a default class attribute (see Setting Class Properties). Some objects have the ability to apply gradient settings while setting the object attributes.

Applying a Gradient from the Attributes Palette

To apply a gradient resource from the Attributes palette and specify the gradient settings:

1. Select the object, and then select Gradient from the Attributes palette fill list. To change to a different gradient, click the gradient preview and select a different gradient from a library or the current file.

 

2. Specify the settings for the current gradient by clicking the Fill Gradient Settings button next to the gradient preview box.

The Gradient Settings dialog box opens.

Click to show/hide the parameters.

Parameter	Description
Gradient selector	Select a gradient resource from a library or the current file
Repeat	Select to repeat the gradient segment over the object; deselect to apply a single instance of the gradient segment to the object
Apply To	Select Each Object to apply the gradient to each selected object individually; choose Selection to apply the gradient across the selected objects, spanning the objects.   When applying a gradient across several selected objects, group the objects to retain the effect.
Type	Select the gradient type from the list
Linear	Applies the gradient to the selection with linear geometry
Radial	Applies the gradient to the selection with circular geometry
Rectangular	Applies the gradient to the selection with rectangular geometry
Angular	Applies the gradient to the selection in a counterclockwise direction from the specified starting point
X/Y Offset	Indicates the gradient starting point coordinates relative to the center of the selection bounding box (in the file’s current units)
Length	Specifies the length of a single gradient segment (in the file’s current units)
Rotation	Specifies the rotation of the gradient fill
Reverse	Select to draw the colors in reverse order from the order specified in the Gradient Editor dialog box

3. If desired, click Preview to view the results of the gradient settings.

4. Click OK to apply the gradient settings.

Applying a Gradient from the Resource Browser

To apply a gradient resource from the Resource Browser:

1. Select the object.

2. From the Resource Browser, select the gradient to be applied. Right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Mac), and select Apply from the context menu. (Alternatively, double-click the gradient resource to apply it to the selection or drag the gradient resource onto an object.)

The fill settings can be edited from the Attributes palette.

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Transferring Attributes

Defining Gradients

Editing Gradient Definitions

Mapping Gradient Fills

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