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Using color, transparency, and gradients



You can apply color, transparency, gradient color, and gradient transparency to type, graphic objects, or shadows. You can also use the eyedropper tool to match a color that already exists in the Title window, even if it is in a background frame you imported.

To apply a solid color:

1 Do one of the following:

  • Use the selection tool () to select a text or graphic object to affect the entire object.
  • Use the type tool () to select individual characters in a text object to affect just those characters.

  • 2 If necessary, click the Object Color swatch or the Shadow Color swatch to bring it to the front, and then click it again to open the color picker.

    Object Color swatch (A) and Shadow Color swatch (B)

    3 Specify a color (see Using the color picker), and click OK.

    To match a color that exists in the title window:

    1 With the selection tool, select a text or graphic object to which you will apply the color.

    2 Select the eyedropper tool ().

    3 Click the eyedropper tool on the color you want to apply.

    To match a color and apply it to individual text characters:

    1 Click in an area without objects to make sure that nothing is selected.

    2 Select the eyedropper tool.

    3 Click the eyedropper tool on the color you want to apply.

    4 Click the Object Color swatch.

    5 Write down the values for Red, Green, and Blue, and click Cancel.

    6 Select the type tool and drag to select one or more text characters.

    7 Click the Object Color or Shadow Color swatch, and for Red, Green, and Blue, type the values you wrote down. Then click OK.

    To swap the object and shadow colors:

    Click the curved double arrow ().

    To apply a gradient:

    1 Do one of the following:

  • Use the selection tool to select a text or graphic object (to affect the entire object).
  • Use the type tool to select individual characters in a text object (to affect just those characters).

  • 2 If necessary, click the Object Color swatch or the Shadow Color swatch to bring it to the front. The swatch that is in front receives the gradient effect.

    3 Click the Beginning Color swatch, specify a color (see Using the color picker), and click OK.

    Beginning Color (A) and Ending Color (B) swatches

    4 Click the Ending Color swatch, specify a color, and click OK.

    5 To set the direction of a gradient, click a triangle in the Gradient/Transparency Direction option.

    Clicking a triangle sets the direction of a gradient.

    To set opacity:

    1 Do one of the following:

  • Use the selection tool to select a text or graphic object (to affect the entire object).
  • Use the type tool to select individual characters in a text object (to affect just those characters).

  • 2 If necessary, click the Object Color swatch or the Shadow Color swatch to bring it to the front. The swatch that is in front receives the opacity effect.

    3 Do one of the following:

  • Click the triangle to the left of the Beginning Transparency menu or to the right of the Ending Transparency menu, and then click or drag in the menu that appears, to specify an opacity value.
  • Click the triangle between the Beginning and Ending Transparency menus, and then click or drag in the menu that appears, to specify an opacity value from the Overall Transparency menu.


  • Creating Titles > Using color, transparency, and gradients