Gradient panel options

Last updated on Sep 11, 2025

Learn about the Gradient panel in Adobe Illustrator.

The Gradient panel lets you edit gradients by adding multiple color stops, adjusting their position, angle, opacity, and elliptical aspect ratio. To access the panel, go to Window > Gradient.

Options for Linear Gradient and Radial Gradient are highlighted in the Gradient Panel. — Options for Linear and Radial Gradient.

A. Active or previously used gradient B. Drop-down list for existing gradients C. Fill color D. Stroke color E. Reverse Gradient F. Midpoint G. Gradient Annotator H. Color stop I. Color Picker

A. Gradient types B. Edit Gradient (visible only when you switch to other tools in the toolbar) C. Stroke types D. Angle E. Aspect Ratio F. Delete Stop G. Opacity H. Location

The Freeform Gradient is selected, and the Gradient panel displays options such as Fill or Stroke, Color Stops, Spread, Draw Modes, and more.

Options for Freeform Gradient.

A. Fill or Stroke (with color) B. Stop C. Spread D. Freeform Gradient E. Freeform gradient modes

Tool or option	Function
Gradient (active or previously used)	Displays the last applied or currently selected gradient.
Drop-down list for existing gradients	Lets you choose from saved or default gradient presets.
Fill	Sets the fill color of a selected shape or object.
Stroke	Sets the color of the object’s outline.
Reverse Gradient	Flips the direction of the gradient colors.
Gradient Slider	On-canvas widget to adjust gradient direction, position, and spread directly.
Color stop	Point along the gradient slider that defines a specific color.
Mid-point	The position where two gradient colors mix evenly.
Color Picker	Opens a color selection dialog to choose precise colors.
Type	Switches between gradient types: Linear Gradient Radial Gradient Freeform Gradient .
Edit Gradient (visible only when you switch to other tools in the toolbar)	Allows gradient editing when using a different tool.
Stroke	Changes stroke styles: Apply gradient within stroke Apply gradient along stroke Apply gradient across stroke
Angle	Sets the angle of a linear gradient.
Aspect Ratio	Adjusts the roundness of a radial gradient.
Delete Stop	Removes a color stop from the gradient bar.
Opacity	Controls the transparency of a color stop or object.
Location	Sets the exact position of a color stop or midpoint on the gradient slider.
Fill or Stroke	Toggles whether you’re editing the fill or stroke color of an object.
Stop	Defines a color in the gradient. Another term for color stop.
Spread	Defines how color spreads from a stop to its surrounding area (more relevant in freeform gradients).
Freeform Gradient	Allows color points or lines placed freely across an object for custom blending.
Draw (Freeform Gradient modes)	Switches between Point and Line modes for freeform gradients: Point mode: Uses color points. Line mode: Uses gradient lines between color points.

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