Select the Flare tool from the toolbar.
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Draw and edit flares
Last updated on
Oct 24, 2026
Learn how to create and edit lens flare effects using the Flare tool in Adobe Illustrator.
The Flare tool creates vector flare objects that consist of a center, halo, rays, and rings.
Create a flare
Drag on the artboard to define the center size, halo size, and ray angle.
While dragging, do any of the following:
- Press Shift to constrain the ray angles
- Press the Up Arrow or Down Arrow to increase or decrease the number of rays
- Press Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) to keep the center of the flare fixed
Release the mouse button, then drag again to position the end handle and create rings
While dragging, do either of the following:
- Press the Up Arrow or Down Arrow to increase or decrease the number of rings
- Press ~ to randomize the ring placement
Create a flare using the Flare Tool Options dialog box
Select the Flare tool.
Click where you want to position the center of the flare.
In the Flare Tool Options dialog box, specify the settings for the flare:
- Set the Diameter, Opacity, and Brightness for the center
- Set the Growth and Fuzziness values for the halo
- To add rays, select Rays, and specify the Number, Longest, and Fuzziness values
- To add rings, select Rings, and specify the Path, Number, Largest, and Direction values
Select OK.
Tip
Increase the Fuzziness value to create a softer flare, or decrease it to produce a sharper effect.
Edit a flare
Select the flare using the Selection tool.
Double-click the Flare tool.
Modify the flare settings in the Flare Tool Options dialog box.
Select OK.
To restore the default flare settings, press Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and then select Reset.
Expand a flare
Select the flare using the Selection tool.
Select Object > Expand.
After expanding a flare, you can edit the center, halo, rays, and rings as individual vector objects. Expanded flares can't be converted back into editable flare objects.
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