Create mesh objects

Last updated on Sep 11, 2025

Learn how to create mesh objects to create contours, add depth, and intricate color transitions to your artwork.

Create mesh objects with an irregular pattern of mesh points

Select an object using the Selection tool.

Select the Mesh tool or press U.

Click along the paths or within the object to add mesh lines and mesh points. Click further to add additional mesh points.

To apply color to the area between mesh points, select a mesh point, and then select a fill color.

Drag mesh points using the Mesh tool to edit the shape and color flow.

Create mesh objects with a regular pattern of mesh points

Select an object using the Selection tool.

Select Object > Create Gradient Mesh.

In the Create Gradient Mesh dialog box, set the number of Rows, Columns for your object.

Screenshot of Adobe Illustrator interface showing the "Create Gradient Mesh" dialog box over a blue artboard. The dialog box includes input fields for rows, columns, and options for appearance and highlights. On the left side, the toolbar is visible with tools grouped under Select. Shapes, Draw, Modify, and more.
Use the Create Gradient Mesh dialog box to set rows and columns for horizontal and vertical mesh lines.

Select any of the direction from the Appearance dropdown menu to highlight the mesh object:

  • Flat: Applies the object’s original color evenly across the surface, resulting in no highlight.
  • To Center: Creates a highlight in the center of the object.
  • To Edge: Creates a highlight on the edges of the object.

In the Highlight field, enter the percentage of white highlight you want to apply to the mesh object.

Drag mesh points using the Mesh tool to adjust the shape and color flow.

Note

When printing mesh objects, spot colors are preserved for EPS, PDF, and PostScript file formats.