How to Use the Gradient Mesh Tool in Adobe Illustrator
Posted on 20th June 2023
The Gradient Mesh Tool in Adobe Illustrator is one of the most powerful tools for creating advanced graphics and effects. With it, you can create gradients that blend smoothly between colors, add texture and depth to objects, and create complex shading and lighting effects.
In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to use the Gradient Mesh Tool to create a simple gradient mesh, add color to it, and then apply some basic lighting and shading effects. Let’s get started!
1. Create a New Document
First, let’s create a new document in Adobe Illustrator. Go to File > New, and create a new document with the following settings:
Number of Artboards: 1
Width: 800px
Height: 600px
Units: Pixels
Color Mode: RGB
2. Create a Rectangle
Next, let’s create a rectangle. Go to the Rectangle Tool (M) in the Toolbar, and click and drag to create a rectangle that covers the entire artboard.
3. Add a Gradient Mesh
Now we’re ready to add a gradient mesh. Go to the Gradient Mesh Tool (U) in the Toolbar, and click once inside the rectangle to create a mesh point. Then, click and drag to create another mesh point.
You should now see a gradient mesh with two points.
4. Add Color to the Gradient Mesh
Next, let’s add some color to the gradient mesh. With the Gradient Mesh Tool (U) still selected, click on the first mesh point and choose a color from the Swatches panel. Then, click on the second mesh point and choose a different color.
You should now see a two-color gradient mesh.
5. Adjust the Mesh Points
Now let’s adjust the mesh points. With the Gradient Mesh Tool (U) still selected, click and drag on the mesh points to move them around. You can also click on the mesh points and use the arrow keys to nudge them into place.
As you move the mesh points around, you’ll notice that the gradient changes. This is because the gradient is based on the position of the mesh points.
6. Add More Mesh Points
Next, let’s add some more mesh points. With the Gradient Mesh Tool (U) still selected, click inside the rectangle to add a mesh point. Then, click and drag to create another mesh point.
You should now see a four-point gradient mesh.
7. Apply a Lighting Effect
Now let’s apply a lighting effect. Go to Effect > 3D > Extrude & Bevel. In the Extrude & Bevel dialog box, set the following options:
Extrude Depth: 50px
Bevel Style: Outer Bevel
Lighting Type: Parallel
Angle: 45
8. Apply a Drop Shadow Effect
Finally, let’s apply a drop shadow effect. Go to Effect > Stylize > Drop Shadow. In the Drop Shadow dialog box, set the following options:
Opacity: 75%
X Offset: 0px
Y Offset: 0px
Blur: 5px
9. Save and Export
When you’re finished, go to File > Save to save your document. Then, go to File > Export > Export As and choose a format to export the file. We recommend exporting as a PNG or JPG for best results.
And that’s it! You’ve now learned how to use the Gradient Mesh Tool in Adobe Illustrator.
The Gradient Mesh Tool is a powerful tool that allows you to create complex gradients in Adobe Illustrator. In this tutorial, we will show you how to use the Gradient Mesh Tool to create a simple gradient.
First, let’s create a new document in Adobe Illustrator. For this tutorial, we will be using a document size of 8.5×11 inches.
Next, we will create a rectangle using the Rectangle Tool. For this tutorial, we will make the rectangle 3×4 inches.
With the rectangle selected, go to the Toolbox and select the Gradient Mesh Tool.
Click on the top left corner of the rectangle to create a mesh point.
Next, click on the top right corner of the rectangle to create another mesh point.
Now, click on the bottom left corner of the rectangle to create another mesh point.
Finally, click on the bottom right corner of the rectangle to create the last mesh point.
You should now have a rectangle with four mesh points.
Next, we will add color to the mesh points. To do this, select the mesh point you want to color and then click on the color you want to use in the Swatches panel.
Repeat this process for each mesh point.
You should now have a gradient rectangle.
Now let’s try something a little more complex. For this example, we will create a gradient circle.
First, create a new circle using the Ellipse Tool. For this tutorial, we will make the circle 3 inches in diameter.
Next, we will add four mesh points to the circle. To do this, select the Gradient Mesh Tool and then click on the top of the circle to create the first mesh point.
Now, click on the bottom of the circle to create the second mesh point.
Next, click on the left side of the circle to create the third mesh point.
Finally, click on the right side of the circle to create the fourth mesh point.
You should now have a circle with four mesh points.
Next, we will add color to the mesh points. To do this, select the mesh point you want to color and then click on the color you want to use in the Swatches panel.
Repeat this process for each mesh point.
You should now have a gradient circle.
The Gradient Mesh Tool is a powerful tool that allows you to create complex gradients in Adobe Illustrator. In this tutorial, we have shown you how to use the Gradient Mesh Tool to create a simple gradient. Try experimenting with different shapes and colors to create your own gradient designs.
To use the Gradient Mesh tool, click and drag your cursor over the area you want to fill with a gradient. As you drag, nodes will appear. To change the color of a specific area, click on a node and use the Eyedropper tool to select a new color. You can also click and drag a node to change its shape.
In addition to creating linear gradients, the Gradient Mesh tool can be used to create radial gradients. To create a radial gradient, click on the canvas where you want the center of the gradient to be. Then, click and drag outwards to create the gradient. As you drag, you’ll see a preview of the gradient. When you’re happy with the gradient, release the mouse button.
To edit an existing gradient, simply click on the gradient mesh to select it. Then, click and drag the control points to change the gradient.
The Gradient Mesh tool is a powerful tool that can be used to create complex gradients. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create gradients that look like they were hand-painted.
