Add colors and gradients

Last updated on Oct 18, 2023

Illustrator

Open on web

Learn how to apply fill colors, gradients, and strokes to create captivating designs in Illustrator on the web (beta).

Illustrator on the web (beta) is now available for testing and feedback.

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Open Illustrator on the web (beta)

Note:

The app is available as part of your Illustrator subscription.

Adding colors, gradients, and strokes to your blank canvas is the easiest way to spark magic into your designs.
Illustrator on the web (beta) lets you apply color effects to your artwork and elevate your creations using quick and simple steps.

What is fill color in Illustrator on the web (beta)?

A fill is a color or gradient added
to a shape or an object in your design. You can use fill color to explore color blends or highlight specific areas in your design.

Is it easy to use gradients in Illustrator on the web (beta)?

Yes, you can experiment with different gradient types to emphasize text, simulate metallic surfaces, or add depth and three-dimensionality to your creations.

Strokes in Illustrator on the web (beta)

How can you use strokes to enhance your designs?

Strokes are outlines that define the shape of an object or path. You can use strokes to design logos, create borders, or add artistic flair to your artwork and make them stand out.

Try the hands-on tutorial in the app

Play this video for an introduction to the hands-on tutorial about adding colors, gradients, or strokes to your artwork.

Try it in the app
Now that you've watched the video, follow along with the tutorial to learn how to apply color and gradients.

Open Illustrator on web (Beta)

Apply fill color

You can apply fill color to your object selections to differentiate elements in your artwork. You can also control the opacity and blending modes of the fill to create various visual effects.

Use the Fill tool to color your artwork.

Select an object and then select the Fill tool from the toolbar.
Select a Solid color or a Gradient from an assortment of colors using the Color wheel, HEX code, or Swatches.

Solid colors

Solid colors are single colors that you can use as a foundation for more complex designs and effects. These single colors have a uniform and consistent appearance, and you can apply them to shapes, text, or other elements in your artwork.

Select an object and use the Color wheel to pick and apply any color to your selection. You can also use the Color Picker to pick and apply any color from another artwork.

Apply solid color using the Color panel.

Select the HEX code and use the More menu to choose a different color model.
Select Swatches and use the More menu to choose any color from the Grid or the List. Alternatively, you can also select a Solid color from the Color books.

Apply a gradient

A gradient is a gradual blend of multiple colors or tints of the same color. Besides creating color blends, you can apply or modify a gradient to add depth or shadow effects to your object or selection using the Fill panel.

Select the Fill tool from the toolbar.
Select Gradient and then select Linear , Radial , or Point gradients.
Select any color from the Color wheel, HEX code, or Swatches, and use the Gradient Annotator, the slider on your object, to change the color of the color stop.
In the Gradient panel, drag the Opacity slider to modify your gradient.

Use the Linear Gradient to blend colors from one point to another along a straight path.

Use the Radial Gradient to blend colors from one point to another in a radial pattern.

Use the Point Gradient to blend colors around a color stop within the shape.

Modify Point Gradients

You don't need a Gradient Annotator to modify a Point gradient. You can place color stops anywhere on your object and then apply the gradient by setting the spread, a circular area around the color stop.

Modify Linear and Radial Gradients

Use the Gradient Annotator, to modify Linear and Radial gradients. It consists of a starting point, a midpoint, an endpoint, and two color stops representing the starting and endpoints.

Apply and modify strokes

You can apply and modify strokes to change the appearance of the outlines of your objects. To make your artwork more dynamic and appealing, you can then adjust the stroke attributes to create various visual effects.

You can apply any stroke color to your selection from a wide range of colors using the Color wheel, HEX code, or Swatches. You can also use the Color Picker to pick and apply any color from another artwork.

Modify or edit strokes using the Properties panel.

Select an object, and then select the Stroke tool from the toolbar.
Select Properties > Stroke and then select a Solid or Dotted stroke.
In the Stroke weight field, type the weight you want to set for the stroke.
Adjust your stroke styles further using the Align Stroke, Cap, and Corner options.

Note:

When you create an object, the stroke of the object is set to 1 pt by default.

Pro tips and tricks

Hover over a tool to view a short clip and tip on how the tool works.
Add any selected color to the swatch and use it in your design for easy access.
Select the shape and then use the Contextual Task Bar to change the Stroke width .
You can apply any stroke color to your selection using the Color wheel, HEX code, or Swatches. You can also use the Color Picker to pick and apply any color from another artwork.

Finalize your artwork

You can also take your artwork to Illustrator on the desktop and refine it by selecting the Open in desktop app button. Once your artwork is complete, select Share > Publish and export to save it in other formats (PNG, JPEG, AiT, Ai, PDF, and SVG) and share it with anyone, anywhere.

Have a question or an idea?

If you have a question to ask or an idea to share, come and participate in Adobe Illustrator on the web (beta) Community. We would love to hear from you and see your creations.

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