Apply local or global changes to color properties

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to apply local or global changes to color properties in Illustrator.

Randomly change color order or saturation and brightness

Select the artwork using the Selection tool. 

Select Edit > Edit Colors > Recolor Artwork. Then, select Advanced Options in the Recolor panel to open the Recolor Artwork dialog box. 

In the Recolor Artwork dialog box, select the Edit tab to access the color wheel and advanced options.

In the Edit tab of the Recolor Artwork dialog box, select Display color bars .

Select either of the given options as required:

  • Randomly change color order : Shuffles the current colors among the selected objects without altering their Hue.
  • Randomly changes saturation and brightness : Applies variations in intensity and lightness to create a range of visual effects.
The Recolor Artwork dialog box is highlighted on the screen showcasing the options to adjust Hue, Saturation, Brightness, and more settings.
In the Recolor Artwork dialog box, select Reset to revert the artwork back to its original colors.

Select OK.

Globally edit saturation, brightness, temperature, or luminosity

Select the artwork using the Selection tool. 

Select Edit > Edit Colors > Recolor Artwork. Then, select Advanced Options in the Recolor panel to open the Recolor Artwork dialog box. 

In the Recolor Artwork dialog box, select the Edit tab to access the color wheel and advanced options.

In the Recolor Artwork dialog box, select Specifies the mode of the color adjustment sliders > Global Adjust.

The Recolor Artwork dialog box is displayed on the screen showcasing the adjustment sliders for Saturation, Brightness, Temperature, and Luminosity.
In the Recolor Artwork dialog box, select Generative Recolor to create new color schemes for the artwork.

Adjust the following sliders as required to globally shift the color properties:

  • Saturation: Increases or decreases the intensity of all colors.
  • Brightness: Lightens or darkens the overall artwork.
  • Temperature: Shifts colors toward warmer (reds/yellows) or cooler (blues) tones.
  • Luminosity: Adjusts perceived lightness without altering hue.

Select OK.