Apple Numbers '09 - Manual (Page 226)

To learn how to Go to
Add a solid-color background to an object “Filling an Object with a Solid Color” on page 226
Add a background of colors that blend into each
other “Filling an Object with Blended Colors
(Gradients)” on page 226
Place an image inside an object “Filling an Object with an Image” on page 228
Filling an Object with a Solid Color
You can fill shapes, tables, table cells, and chart elements with a solid color.
Use the format bar to quickly add a fill color to a selected object. Click the Fill
well and then choose a color from the color matrix, or click Show Colors to open the
Colors window for more choices. Use the Opacity control to adjust the degree
of transparency.
You can also use the Graphic inspector to fill an object with a solid color.
To change an object’s fill color using the Graphic inspector:
1 Select the object.
2 Click Inspector in the toolbar, and then click the Graphic inspector button.
3 Choose Color Fill from the Fill pop-up menu.
4 Click the color well below the Fill pop-up menu to open the Colors window, and then
select a color in the Colors window.
To learn more about using the Colors window, see “The Colors Window” on page 24.
Filling an Object with Blended Colors (Gradients)
You can fill shapes, tables, table cells, and chart elements with colors that blend into
each other, called color gradients.
To create color gradients in an object fill, use the options in the Graphic inspector. The
basic Gradient Fill options provide the easiest way to blend two colors in a straight
line. The Advanced Gradient Fill options allow you to blend multiple colors in your
gradient and to create a circular (radial) gradient.
To fill an object with a linear, two-color gradient:
1 In the Graphic inspector, choose Gradient Fill from the Fill pop-up menu.
Click the double-headed
arrow to invert the gradient.
Flip the gradient orientation or
set its direction by using the
arrow buttons or the Angle
wheel, or by typing a value.
Click each color well
to select colors.
226 Chapter 9 Working with Shapes, Graphics, and Other Objects