How to Apply a Gradient Across a Shape in Illustrator
Gradients are smooth blends of color. Illustrator allows you to choose from preset gradients, create custom gradients and save your gradients. You can apply these gradients to both text and shapes. Illustrator gradients can include multiple colors and transition between colors along a straight line -- a linear gradient -- or in a circular pattern to create a radial gradient.
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Instructions
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Launch Illustrator and open the document containing the shape. Select the object to which you want to apply a gradient. Click the "Gradient Palette" to open it.
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Select a preset gradient using the drop-down menu on the Gradient Palette. If you want to create a custom gradient, choose "Radial" or "Linear" as the gradient type. Double-click on one of the color stops, which are represented by squares located below the gradient swatch, in the Gradient Palette to change the color. Move the color stops to change how quickly the colors transition. Click along the gradient swatch to add additional color stops.
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Select the "Gradient Tool" from the Illustrator toolbar. Click the point on the shape at which you want the gradient to begin, then drag the mouse to the point at which you want it to end. Release the mouse button.
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Drag the preview of the gradient from the Gradient Palette to the Swatches Palette to save it. Apply the saved gradient to an object by clicking on the object, then clicking on the gradient in the Swatches Palette.
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