Gradient | Adobe Illustrator

Introduction

A gradient is a graduated blend of two or more colors or tints of the same color. Most often they are used to add volume to flat vector objects, creating light and shadow. In Illustrator, you can create, apply, and modify a gradient using the Gradient tool.

Gradient types

In Illustrator, you can create the following three types of gradients:

1. Linear : Use this gradient type to blend colors from one point to another in a straight line.
   
2. Radial : Use this gradient type to blend colors from one point to another point in a circular pattern.
3. Freeform : Use this gradient type to create a graduated blend of color stops within a shape in an ordered or random sequence. Freeform gradient can be applied in two modes. Point mode used to shade the area around a color stop. Lines mode used to shade the area around a line.
   

A color stop as shown in the above figure, is a point on the Gradient Annotator (for linear and radial) or on the object (for freeform) that controls the color of the gradient. You can change the color of the color stops to set a gradient

Gradient panel

Gradient panel is used to create or modify gradients directly in the artwork and view the modifications in real time. To open the Gradient panel go to Window > Gradient.

1. Reverse Gradient
2. Color stop
3. Mid point
4. Color Picker
5. Gradient types