About mesh objects – Adobe Illustrator CS3 User Manual

Page 190

ILLUSTRATOR CS3

User Guide

184

Change gradient direction or apply across multiple objects

Once you have filled an object with a gradient, you can use the Gradient tool to modify the gradient by “drawing” a
new fill path. This tool lets you change the direction of a gradient, change the beginning point and endpoint of a
gradient, and apply a gradient across multiple objects.

Fill the object or objects with a gradient. To apply a gradient across multiple objects, fill all the objects with a

gradient.

Select the object or objects.

Select the Gradient tool

Position the pointer where you want to define the beginning point of the gradient, and drag across the object in

the direction you want the gradient to be painted.

Release the mouse button where you want to define the endpoint of the gradient.

About mesh objects

A mesh object is a multicolored object on which colors can flow in different directions and transition smoothly from
one point to another. When you create a mesh object, multiple lines called mesh lines crisscross the object and
provide a way to easily manipulate color transitions on the object. By moving and editing points on the mesh lines,
you can change the intensity of a color shift, or change the extent of a colored area on the object.

At the intersection of two mesh lines is a special kind of anchor point called a mesh point. Mesh points appear as
diamonds and have all of the same properties as anchor points but with the added capability of accepting color. You
can add and delete mesh points, edit the mesh points, or change the color associated with each mesh point.

Anchor points also appear in the mesh (differentiated by their square rather than diamond shape), and can be added,
deleted, edited, and moved as with any anchor points in Illustrator. Anchor points can be placed on any mesh line;
you can click an anchor point and drag its direction lines to modify it.

The area between any four mesh points is called the mesh patch. You can also change the color of the mesh patch
using the same techniques as changing colors on a mesh point.

Diagram of a mesh object

A. Mesh line B. Mesh patch C. Mesh point D. Anchor point