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Adobe
helpx.adobe.com › illustrator › using › gradients.html
Gradient types in Illustrator
October 27, 2025 - A Color Stop is a point on the ... of the color stops to set a gradient. For the linear and radial gradient types, selecting the Gradient tool in the toolbar displays Gradient Annotator in the artwork....
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Solopress UK
solopress.com › home › design tutorials › how to use the gradient tool in illustrator
How To Use The Gradient Tool In Illustrator | Adobe Tutorial | Solopress UK
April 26, 2021 - Just as an example, I’ll be making a shape using the Rectangle tool, holding the shift key as I draw it. Go to the gradient panel on the left hand side of the screen and click to select.
Discussions

How do you add gradient to entire object (different colored fills) to create a shadow? Illustrator CS5. Thank you.
He has a marquee around the illustration, so the gradient affects only the contents. The gradient looks like black (or dark purple?) to transparent, multiply, 30% opacity overall. Illustrator doesn't have marquee selection, so to recreate this you would need to create an object that encompasses your drawing, such as this: https://i.imgur.com/rgjOENs.png This one is a copy of my objects, then Pathfinder > Unite. Then apply the gradient to that object. You could also simulate this with Appearances, but it's a bit more tricky to understand: https://i.imgur.com/XST9jSI.png You can add a fill to your objects at the group level. This will appear to fill them all individually, but it's just on top of their existing fills, nothing has changed. Then use Effects > Pathfinder > Add on the new fill. This simulates actually joining all the objects; they appear as if they were united, but they're still separate. Then apply your transparency settings to the fill. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/AdobeIllustrator
7
2
October 28, 2021
How would I change a selection’s colors to a gradient?

Select the object and then use the gradient tool - which has options for rotation of gradient, colour of gradients, opacity, etc.

https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/illustrator/using/gradients.html

More on reddit.com
🌐 r/AdobeIllustrator
3
0
May 15, 2022
PLEASE HELP! Gradient tool won’t work
Does the shape you are trying to use the gradient tool on have a gradient? Select a gradient swatch, or create a gradient in the gradient panel. Are you trying to modify the nonexistent gradient in the stroke of a path that has a gradient in its fill? Hit 'x' to swap between selecting/editing fill colors and stroke colors. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/AdobeIllustrator
7
3
December 7, 2020
How can I apply a gradient color across this whole thing? Doing compound path would mess up arrangements and strokes. Thank you in advance!
I'm kinda new at doing art on illustrator BUT I think if you copy the shape and use the shape builder tool to combine all the bits into on huge outline then it might work. Once you've done that you can make the original shape that hasn't been shape builder- ed just stroke and no fill so that you can see the one under it. After that just put the gradient you want on the one underneath(the one that you shape builder-ed). Done! More on reddit.com
🌐 r/AdobeIllustrator
11
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November 14, 2022
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IllustratorHow
illustratorhow.com › home › adobe illustrator tutorials › how to use gradient tool in adobe illustrator
how to use the gradient tool in Adobe Illustrator
April 19, 2024 - There are several places where ... the toolbar, between fill and stroke, and the Appearance panel when you have an object selected. ... For example, let’s add gradients to this shape. Step 1: Choose the Gradient Tool (keyboard shortcut G) from the toolbar...
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Envato Tuts+
design.tutsplus.com › home › design & illustration › theory › design trends
How to Use the Gradient Tool in Illustrator | Envato Tuts+
November 13, 2022 - Click on the link below to download it. ... Select the Gradient Tool (G) from the left toolbar. With the Gradient Tool selected, click on the shape object you want to apply the gradient to.
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Academy Class
academyclass.com › home › creating a gradient in adobe illustrator
Creating a Gradient In Adobe Illustrator - Academy Class
October 22, 2021 - In Adobe Illustrator, the Gradient ... Locate the Gradient Tool: The Gradient Tool is typically found in the toolbar on the left side of the Illustrator workspace....
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/adobeillustrator › how do you add gradient to entire object (different colored fills) to create a shadow? illustrator cs5. thank you.
r/AdobeIllustrator on Reddit: How do you add gradient to entire object (different colored fills) to create a shadow? Illustrator CS5. Thank you.
October 28, 2021 -

I'm working on an illustration composed of the linework, the colors (done with the brush) and shading done with purple at Multiple transparency at 30%. I saw a video where the guy creates a new layer with same transparency value of Multiple at 30%, clicks the gradient tool, draws a short line starting below the illustration (painted with several colors) and a beautiful shadow is cast on the illustration. He uses photoshop, I'm on Illustrator CS5. What am I missing here? I've been searching everywhere for hours and can't find anything that comes close to recreating this effect.

This is the video. He applies the effect at the 20:05 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhChRyWtMgM&t=1231s. I can't apply the Overlay effect he does after this either. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Starting to digitally color my scanned inks and these 2 steps would really elevate my game.

Thank you so much for your time and assistance.

Top answer
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He has a marquee around the illustration, so the gradient affects only the contents. The gradient looks like black (or dark purple?) to transparent, multiply, 30% opacity overall. Illustrator doesn't have marquee selection, so to recreate this you would need to create an object that encompasses your drawing, such as this: https://i.imgur.com/rgjOENs.png This one is a copy of my objects, then Pathfinder > Unite. Then apply the gradient to that object. You could also simulate this with Appearances, but it's a bit more tricky to understand: https://i.imgur.com/XST9jSI.png You can add a fill to your objects at the group level. This will appear to fill them all individually, but it's just on top of their existing fills, nothing has changed. Then use Effects > Pathfinder > Add on the new fill. This simulates actually joining all the objects; they appear as if they were united, but they're still separate. Then apply your transparency settings to the fill.
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The effect looks like he recreated the shape, pasted in place and merged it to get the whole art encompassed. I would then use a gradient in a transparency mask to get the subtle ess that shows. Also allows you to recolor it easily. So select the new shape, copy it, open transparency, create a mask and paste the shape in. Then with that shape still in the mask and selected apply a black to white gradient, adjust as disired. Exit the mask. When you select the shape now the fill will show just a color and not the gradient so it's easy to change the color while maintaining a gradient.
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FMC Training
blog.fmctraining.com › blog › how-to-make-a-gradient-in-illustrator
How to Make a Gradient in Illustrator - Blog
May 3, 2022 - Here is the how-to to create a gradient in Illustrator tutorial! Warning, this may take a while if you've never made a gradient before. Use Code: BLOG10 At Checkout To Save 10% off our Online Adobe Illustrator Courses · Step by step guide on how to make a gradient in Illustrator · Step 1. Create a new document · Step 2. Create a shape · Step 3. Choose the gradient tool
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Shutterstock
shutterstock.com › blog home › designer › design resources › how to use the gradient tool in illustrator
Tool Guide: How to Use the Gradient Tool in Adobe Illustrator
November 9, 2022 - Simply select a shape with the Selection Tool (V) and show the Gradient palette (Window > Gradient). Apply a default gradient to your shape by clicking the Gradient box in the top left corner of the panel.
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Lessonsindesign
lessonsindesign.com › freeform-gradient-tool-in-illustrator
Using Illustrator's Freeform Gradient Tool in 6 Steps
July 21, 2021 - You can find the freeform gradient tool in the gradients panel, just to the right of the linear and radial gradient options. To use it, just make sure your shape is selected, then click on the freeform gradient button.
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99designs
99designs.com › home › create an icon using illustrator’s gradient tool
Create an icon using Illustrator's gradient tool
January 24, 2018 - The gradient tool can be found by clicking Window > Gradient. It can also be found in the default tool bar and will appear as its own small window in the default workspace. Start by making some closed vector shapes to fill with gradients.
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DesignBro
designbro.com › blog › guides › how-to-use-the-gradient-mesh-tool-in-adobe-illustrator
How to Use the Gradient Mesh Tool in Adobe Illustrator
August 30, 2019 - Firstly, the Gradient Mesh Tool allows for a flexible and detailed application of color to your design. What it does is that it creates a grid inside a specific object in your design, and within this grid, you may choose to apply color to the different grid points.
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Designmodo
designmodo.com › home › resources › adobe tools › how to control gradient fills in adobe illustrator
How to Control Gradient Fills in Adobe Illustrator
March 18, 2024 - For example, CorelDraw has also Conical and Square gradients. Gradient panel (Window > Gradient) and Gradient Tool (G) that can be found on the Tools panel, serve to control the gradient fills in Adobe Illustrator.
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Adobe
helpx.adobe.com › illustrator › using › tool-techniques › gradient-tool.html
Create gradual color blend using the Gradient tool
July 17, 2024 - Double-click the Gradient tool or press G to open the Gradient panel. Choose a gradient type – Linear, Radial, and Freeform. By default, Linear gradient type is selected. Change the stroke, angle, aspect ratio, or opacity to edit the gradient. Use the Gradient slider on the Gradient panel ...
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Learn That Yourself
learnthatyourself.com › home › graphic design software › adobe illustrator tutorials
How To Use Gradient Tool In Illustrator
Now, choose Gradient Tool in Illustrator. Now, the square created before must be selected, click on the square with the Gradient tool. A basic linear gradient of Fill color to Stroke color, in this case, White to Black will fill the shape. This is how we can create a Gradient using Gradient Tool in Illustrator.
Published   December 9, 2025
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Maschituts
maschituts.com › how-to-use-gradients-in-illustrator
How to Use Gradients in Illustrator — In-depth Guide
September 26, 2023 - To use linear gradients in Illustrator, Choose the Rectangle Tool and create a rectangle. Select the rectangle, and open the Gradient Panel from Window > Gradient. Click on the Gradient box to apply it to the rectangle.
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YouTube
youtube.com › envato tuts+
How to Make a Gradient in Illustrator - YouTube
Welcome to How to Make a Gradient in Illustrator. In this video, you will learn the step by step process of how to create basic gradients using Adobe Illustr...
Published   October 27, 2019
Views   136K
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YouTube
youtube.com › dom designs
Create Gradients Like A Pro in Adobe Illustrator | Tutorial - YouTube
►Join the Dom Designs Club: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-BFZXMNnSe67KGhstf9jeg/join►Get the Dom Designs Colour Palette: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing...
Published   April 11, 2022
Views   45K
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ASK Design
askdesign.biz › home › text gradients in adobe illustrator
Text Gradients in Adobe Illustrator - ASK Design Blog
March 14, 2022 - The Gradient tool is in the Tool panel. It’s a visual representation of everything you can do in the Gradient panel. Play around with it and you’ll see how much fun it is! This tool lets you easily change the gradient’s angle, colors, ...
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Yes I'm a Designer
yesimadesigner.com › home › blog › creating gradients in adobe illustrator
Creating Gradients in Adobe Illustrator - Yes I'm a Designer
March 3, 2020 - There is no wrong choice perhaps start with 4x4 and see how you get on. You can always amend this later. Check out the full tutorial to see how. Now you have created the mesh you will see it applied to the object. You can select each point and change the color applied there. As you start to add color you will see how it looks similar to the Freeform Gradient Tool.