Use the Selection tool to select the object.
Last updated on
Sep 17, 2025
Learn how to use the Gradient tool to apply freeform gradients.
You can apply freeform gradients using the Points or Lines option in the Gradient tool. Points lets you add color stops as independent points in the object, whereas Lines lets you add color stops along lines.
Apply freeform gradients using Points
You can apply and adjust freeform gradients by controlling color transitions at specific points.
Double-click the Gradient tool in the toolbar to open the Gradient panel.
From the Type section of the Gradient panel, select Freeform Gradient , and then select Points as the Draw option.
Note
- You can also access Freeform Gradient from the Control panel and the Properties panel.
- If you don’t want the default experience with Freeform Gradient, deselect Enable Content Aware Defaults from Illustrator > Settings > General (macOS) or Edit > Preferences > General (Windows).
Click within the object to add a color stop. Add more color stops, if needed.
To reposition a color stop, drag it.
To adjust the spread of a color stop, select it, and then select a preset value from the Spread dropdown in the Gradient panel. For a precise spread, type the value in the Spread field.
Note
By default, the spread of a color stop is 0%. Spread is available only when using Points
Adjust the spread of a color stop to control its impact.
To remove a color stop, select it, and then press Delete.
Note
You can also drag the color stop outside the object, or select Delete Stop in the Gradient panel to remove it.
Add or remove color stops to adjust gradient complexity.
In the Gradient panel, adjust Opacity as needed.
Apply freeform gradients using Lines
You can apply and adjust freeform gradients by controlling color transitions along lines.
Use the Selection tool to select the object.
Double-click the Gradient tool in the toolbar to open the Gradient panel.
From the Type section of the Gradient panel, select Freeform Gradient , and then select Lines as the Draw option.
Note
- You can also access Freeform Gradient from the Control panel and the Properties panel.
- If you don’t want the default experience with Freeform Gradient, deselect Enable Content Aware Defaults from Illustrator > Settings > General (macOS) or Edit > Preferences > General (Windows).
Click within the object to add the first color stop, and then click again to add the second stop. A straight line automatically connects the color stops.
Click again to add more color stops, if needed. The straight line changes into a curved line when you add the third color stop. Press Esc to finish the line.
To reposition a color stop, drag it. The line will auto-adjust.
To remove a color stop, select it, and then press Delete.
Note
You can also drag the color stop outside the object, or select Delete Stop in the Gradient panel to remove it.
Add more lines, if needed. To connect two lines, click the color stop at one end of a line, and then click the color stop at one end of the other line.
Use Lines for continuous color blends.
In the Gradient panel, adjust Opacity as needed.
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