Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
A blend uses two or more objects to create a transitional object in between. If you're just
getting start with blends, the Make command on the Blend submenu is an easy way to cre-
ate a blend. All you need to do is select the objects that you want to use, and then choose
the command. That's it. If you want a little more control over the way a blend turns out,
you can specify options in the Blend Options dialog box. If you want to specify the loca-
tions where the blend takes place, you can use the Blend tool. Transparency, or the opacity
level of an object, is set in Illustrator by adjusting the Opacity option in the Transparency
or Control panels. Along with the Opacity option is the blending mode, which blends col-
ors together for objects in a group as well as all the objects below it.
A gradient is a smooth transition between two or more colors in an object. You can apply
one of Illustrator's built-in gradients or create one of your own by using the Gradient pan-
el. There are two types of gradients: Radial (circular) and Linear (horizontal). With the
Gradient tool, you can edit gradient colors applied to the object by adding or changing
color stops, applying transparency, and changing gradient direction (linear) or angle (radi-
al).
Applying Fill and Stroke Colors
The Tools panel provides color boxes to make it easy for you to apply fill and stroke col-
ors. The color box in the foreground is the Fill box and the outlined box in the background
is the Stroke box. When you select an object, fill, or stroke, the color boxes (also known
as thumbnails), on the Tools panel display the current colors. To change the fill or stroke
color, select an object, fill or stroke, select the Fill or Stroke box, and then select a color
from the Color, Swatches, or Color Guide panel, or use the Eyedropper to apply a color
from the active document.
Apply Colors to an Object, Fill or Stroke
Select an object, fill, or stroke using the appropriate selection tool.
Click the
Fill
or
Stroke
color box on the Tools or Color panel to choose the col-
or's destination.
Click the
Color
icon on the Tools panel to apply a color or click the
None
icon to
apply no color.
Use any of the following methods to change the active fill or stroke colors:
• Select the
Swatches
panel, and then click a color swatch to change the color.
• Select the
Color
panel, and then specify a color using the controls.
