applies the gradient as a fill ink or a pen ink according to which icon
is selected on the Gradient tab in the Inks palette.
The Gradient Vector tool applies gradient inks to selected objects. If
more than one object is selected, the gradient flows across the
selected objects as if they were one object.
To use the Gradient Vector tool
1
Select the objects that you want to apply a gradient ink to.
2
On the Gradient tab in the Inks palette, select the pen ink or fill
ink icon to specify which ink to apply.
3
Use the Gradient manager to configure the gradient.
Note: You can apply the current settings without opening the Gradi-
ent manager.
4
Select the Gradient Vector tool, and then drag in the document to
position the gradient. As you drag, a vector indicates the gradient
style and position, and the gradient appears on the selected objects.
You can drag inside or outside selected objects. For example, if you
are applying a directional gradient, you can stretch the gradient by
dragging across the object, starting and finishing outside the object.
This places the start and end colors farther apart than if you drag a
shorter distance within the object only.
Modifying gradients
To modify a gradient after you apply it with the Gradient Vector tool,
leave the object selected while you change the Gradient manager set-
tings, and then use the tool to apply the new gradient to the object.
You can also edit a gradient fill via a context-sensitive menu. To
view this in action, select an object that contains a gradient fill and
then right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Macintosh) to bring up
the menu.
Gradient editing handles.
Changes the direction of
the gradient.
Gradient editing node.
This control feature allows
you to adjust the colors
that are contained in the
gradient.