Select Window > Gradient.
Last updated on
Oct 28, 2025
Learn how to apply a predefined gradient in Adobe Illustrator to add color transitions to your artwork.
Illustrator provides a predefined set of gradients that you can set using the Gradient panel or the Swatches panel. You can also create and save custom gradients in the Swatches panel for future use.
- If you use the Gradient tool for the first time, a default white-to-black gradient is applied.
- If you've used a gradient before, the last used gradient is applied instead.
Select the artwork on the canvas.
Select a saved gradient from the Gradient swatches or a preset from the Presets drop-down menu in the Gradient panel.
Tip
Use gradient presets as a starting point, then adjust stops, colors, or opacity in the Gradient panel for customization.
Apply a predefined gradient from the swatch library
Select Window > Swatches to open the Swatches panel.
In the Swatches panel, select Swatch Library menu > Gradients and then select the gradient you want to apply.
Tip
You can also access the predefined gradients by selecting the Swatches panel menu and then selecting Open Swatch Library > Gradients.
Select Show Swatch Kinds menu > Show Gradient Swatches to display only gradients in the Swatches panel.
When you apply a gradient to an object filled with a solid color, Illustrator uses that color as the starting point for the gradient. This helps you maintain visual consistency while designing and eliminates the need to reselect the base color manually.
Select a shape that has a solid fill color, and then navigate to the Gradient panel.
The Gradient Slider will automatically start with your shape’s fill color. Adjust the gradient as needed using the swatches.
Note
If no fill is applied, Illustrator uses the default gradient. If multiple shapes with different colors are selected, the last used gradient is shown.
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