Apply predefined gradients

Zadnja posodobitev 31. avg. 2026

Learn how to apply predefined gradients in Adobe Illustrator to add color transitions and visual depth to your artwork.

Illustrator provides a collection of professional-grade 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.

Apply a saved gradient or a gradient preset from the Gradient panel

Select Window > Gradient.

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.

Gradient panel with the Presets menu open, showing new and classic gradient collections.
Choose a preset gradient from the Gradient panel to apply it to your artwork.

Namig

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 choose a gradient library.

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You can also access the predefined gradients by selecting the Swatches panel menu and then selecting Open Swatch Library > Gradients.

The Swatches panel menu under the Open Swatch Library menu displays several gradient options ready for selection.
Choose a gradient library from the Gradients menu, and then select a gradient to apply to your artwork.

Select a gradient swatch from the library to apply it to the selected artwork.

Select Show Swatch Kinds menu > Show Gradient Swatches to display only gradients in the Swatches panel.

Apply gradients using existing fill

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.

Opomba

If no fill is applied, Illustrator uses the default gradient. If multiple shapes with different colors are selected, the last used gradient is shown.