Transparency tab of the Object Format dialog box

This tab lets you apply variable transparency to a selected closed object. You can apply transparency uniformly across the object, apply it with a gradient effect, or remove the object's transparency.

If no object is selected, you set a new default transparency for new closed objects.

Clicking the Lock/Unlock Fill Display button alternately locks and unlocks the tab.

Indicates the tab is unlocked. When unlocked, the tab changes to the settings of the objects you select.

Indicates the tab is locked. When locked, the settings on the tab do not change when you select objects.

This lets you apply uniform transparency to a closed object. Drag slider to set the amount of transparency, or enter the percent of transparency to apply (where 0 is opaque and 100 is fully transparent).


Opaque/Transparent slider	Drag this slider to set the amount of transparency, or enter the percent of transparency to apply (where 0 is opaque and 100 is fully transparent).
Gradient distribution	The gradient distribution bar lets you change the distribution of the gradient. To add a pointer, click in the bar or just above it. To move a pointer (other than 0 or 100), drag it along the bar. To change the transparency of a pointer, click it, then set the amount of transparency with the Opaque/Transparency slider. To delete a point, click it then press DELETE. This example goes from transparent (white) to opaque (black) twice:
Gradient shape	Click one of these buttons to select a shape for the gradient: Linear Radial Square Conical
Preview area	Shows a sample of the shape, distribution, and angle of the gradient you have chosen, and lets you drag handles to adjust the origin and angle of the gradient.
Origin	Type a value for the starting point of the gradient. If you prefer, you can drag the solid square handle in the preview area.
Angle	Type an angle for the gradient. If you prefer, you can drag the solid circular handles in the preview area.

This panel lets you remove the solid or gradient transparency that has been applied to a selected object or objects.

The Preview button lets you see the effect of any changes on a selected object. (This button has no effect if no object is selected.) You may have to move the dialog box to see the selection.

The Object Format box stays open to let you apply changes to objects without having to open the dialog box repeatedly. Click Apply each time you want to apply a change to a selected object. The dialog box does not close until you click Close.

By rolling up the Object Format dialog box, you can keep it accessible, but out of your way. Click

on the title bar to roll up the dialog box. Click

to unroll it.