Create mesh objects, Edit mesh objects – Adobe Illustrator CS3 User Manual
Page 191
ILLUSTRATOR CS3
User Guide
185
Create mesh objects
You can create mesh objects from vector objects, with the exception of compound paths and text objects. You cannot
create mesh objects from linked images.
To improve performance and redraw speed, keep the size of mesh objects to a minimum. Complex mesh objects can
greatly reduce performance. Therefore, it is better to create a few small, simple mesh objects than to create a single,
complex mesh object. When converting complex objects, use the Create Mesh command for the best results.
Note: When printing mesh objects, spot colors are preserved for EPS, PDF, and PostScript output.
For more information on creating a gradient mesh object, see the Achieve photo realism with Gradient Mesh tutorial
at
See also
“Apply an existing gradient to an object” on page 183
Create a mesh object with an irregular pattern of mesh points
1
Select the Mesh tool
, and select a fill color for the mesh points.
2
Click where you want to position the first mesh point.
The object is converted to a mesh object with the minimum number of mesh lines.
3
Continue clicking to add additional mesh points. Shift-click to add a mesh point without changing to the current
fill color.
Create a mesh object with a regular pattern of mesh points
1
Select the object and choose Object > Create Gradient Mesh.
2
Set the number of rows and columns, and select the direction of the highlight from the Appearance menu:
Flat
Applies the object’s original color evenly across the surface, resulting in no highlight.
To Center
Creates a highlight in the center of the object.
To Edge
Creates a highlight on the edges of the object.
3
Enter a percentage of white highlight to apply to the mesh object. A value of 100% applies maximum white
highlight to the object; a value of 0% applies no white highlight to the object.
Convert a gradient-filled object to a mesh object
1
Select the object and choose Object > Expand.
2
Select Gradient Mesh, and click
OK.
The selected object is converted to a mesh object that takes the shape of the gradient, either circular (radial) or
rectangular (linear).
Edit mesh objects
You can edit a mesh object by adding, deleting, and moving mesh points; changing the color of mesh points and mesh
patches; and converting the mesh object back to a regular object.
Add a mesh point
❖
Select the Mesh tool
and select a fill color for the new mesh points. Then click anywhere in the mesh object.