Gradient panel and Gradient tool overview

You can use the Gradient panel (Window > Gradient) or the Gradient tool to apply, create, and modify gradients.

Gradient colors are defined by a series of stops along the gradient slider. A stop marks the point at which a gradient changes from one color to the next, and is identified by a square below the gradient slider. The squares display the color currently assigned to each gradient stop. With a radial gradient, the leftmost gradient stop defines the center point’s color fill, which radiates outward to the color of the rightmost gradient stop.

Using the options in the Gradient panel or with the Gradient tool, you can specify the number and location of stops, angle in which the colors display, aspect ratio of an elliptical gradient, and the opacity of each color.

Gradient panel

In the Gradient panel, the Gradient Fill box displays the current gradient colors and gradient type. When you click the Gradient Fill box, the selected object is filled with the gradient. Directly to the right of this box is the Gradient menu that lists all the default and presaved gradients from which you can choose. At the bottom of the list is a Save Gradient button  that you can click to save the current gradient settings as a swatch.

By default, the panel includes a start and end color box, but you can add more color boxes by clicking anywhere along the gradient slider. Double-clicking a gradient stop opens the gradient stop color panel where you can choose a color from the Color panel or Swatches panel.

It’s helpful to show all options when working with the panel (choose Show Options from the panel menu).

Gradient tool

You use the Gradient tool to add or edit gradients. When you click the Gradient tool in an unselected, nongradient filled object it fills the object with the last used gradient. The Gradient tool also provides most of the same features as the Gradient panel. When you select a gradient filled object and select the Gradient tool, a gradient annotator appears in the object. You can use the gradient annotator to modify the angle, location, and spread of a linear gradient or the focal point, origin, and spread of a radial gradient. If you position the tool directly over the gradient annotator, it becomes a slider (same as in the Gradient panel) with gradient stops and location indicators. You can click the gradient annotator to add new gradient stops, double-click individual gradient stops to specify new colors and opacity settings, or drag gradient stops to new locations.

When you position the pointer over the gradient annotator and the rotation cursor appears  you can drag to reposition the angle of the gradient. Dragging the circular end of the gradient slider repositions the origin of the gradient, and dragging the arrow end increases or decreases the range of the gradient.

To hide or show the gradient annotator, choose View > Hide Gradient Annotator or View > Show Gradient Annotator.