To add a gradient fill to a selected object

1. Click the Format Tool in the toolbox.

2. Click the Gradient Interior Fill button in the ribbon, or the Gradient Line Fill button . The Object Format dialog box opens with gradient options displayed.

3. Click a color in the color palette.

4. Click the point above the color band at 100%.

5. Click another color in the color palette.

6. Click a gradient button.

7. To edit, drag the end circles to control the angle. Move the origin square to control the gradient center.

8. Click Apply. The object redraws with the new gradient.

You can use many colors in a gradient fill, instead of only two, to create multicolor gradients and rainbow effects. Click above the color band to create a new color point and then choose a color in the palette. You can continue to add additional color points in this way. You can drag each point to the desired location on the color band (try spacing them evenly) to control how the fill graduates from one color to another. To delete a color point, drag it off of the dialog box. You can quickly change the first and last colors for a gradient fill in a selected object without using the Object Format dialog box. Select the object with a gradient fill, click one color in the color palette, press and hold SHIFT, and click another color in the palette.