Gradient fills are used to create transitions between colors. Most often they are used to add volume to flat vector objects, creating light and shadow. Today we’ll learn how to create gradients and control them. Adobe Illustrator has only two types of gradient fills. These are linear and radial gradients. Radial gradient can be transformed into an elliptical one. This kind of gradient has been available since the release of CS4.
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Now enrolling!
The perspective tool will help you create 1,2 or 3 point perspective. I'll show you how to easily apply any flat graphic you've created onto the grid so that you can add depth to any design you have created. This would work great for creating a packaging mock-up!
If you're looking for an extensive list of free Illustrator tutorials ranging from basic to advanced make sure to check out The Ultimate Illustrator Resource Guide. I did all the searching for you and found over 50 of the best, quality free content out there and packaged it up nicely into one downloadable PDF so that you can dive right into learning without wasting valuable time searching.
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The Ultimate PHOTOSHOP Resource Guide
WHAT'S INSIDE THE RESOURCE GUIDE?
- Over 100 FREE Photoshop video tutorials
- Bonus #1 - 12 FREE Photoshop Actions
- Bonus #2 - 24 FREE Photoshop mock-ups, templates and textures
The Ultimate Illustrator Resource Guide
Get access to over 150 links to FREE tutorials, FREE templates, FREE vector downloads, money making ideas, merchandise and books!!
FREE ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIAL VIDEOS
-64 links to Illustrator VIDEO Tutorials
-Beginners Techniques
-Intermediate Techniques
-Pen Tool
-Logo Design
-Create Your Own Font
-Social Media Graphics
-Design & Layout
ILLUSTRATOR PAID LEARNING INVESTMENTS
-10 links to online Illustrator investments (paid learning)
FREE ILLUSTRATOR DESIGN ASSETS
-25 links to FREE templates
-15 links to FREE brushes (some links have 50+ brushes)
-25 links to FREE vector icons
-10 links to FREE font websites
ILLUSTRATOR CAREERS
-25 links to money making ideas using Illustrator
-10 links to help you get started freelanceing
-9 links to help you build a strong portfolio
-10 links to the best Illustrator design portfolios
ILLUSTRATOR GOOD READS
-5 top selling Illustrator paper books to curve your cravings
Illustrator MERCH
- 9 links to some cool Illustrator inspired merchandise
Complete Beginner's Guide To Adobe Illustrator
- CHAPTER 1: Creating a New Document
- CHAPTER 2: Customizing Your Workspace
- CHAPTER 3: Tool Infographic (function of each tool)
- CHAPTER 4: Color Basics (how to change colors, use swatches and PMS colors)
- CHAPTER 5: Manipulating Type and Text
- CHAPTER 6: Rulers, Guides and Grids
- CHAPTER 7: How to Group Objects, Create Compound Paths and Clipping Masks
- CHAPTER 8: Mastering the PEN TOOL!!
- CHAPTER 9: How to turn raster images into vector graphics using Image Trace
- CHAPTER 10: How to Save (and/or) Export Your Documents Correctly
More ways to learn...
The Ultimate PHOTOSHOP Resource Guide
WHAT'S INSIDE THE RESOURCE GUIDE?
- Over 100 FREE Photoshop video tutorials
- Bonus #1 - 12 FREE Photoshop Actions
- Bonus #2 - 24 FREE Photoshop mock-ups, templates and textures
The Ultimate Illustrator Resource Guide
Get access to over 150 links to FREE tutorials, FREE templates, FREE vector downloads, money making ideas, merchandise and books!!
FREE ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIAL VIDEOS
-64 links to Illustrator VIDEO Tutorials
-Beginners Techniques
-Intermediate Techniques
-Pen Tool
-Logo Design
-Create Your Own Font
-Social Media Graphics
-Design & Layout
ILLUSTRATOR PAID LEARNING INVESTMENTS
-10 links to online Illustrator investments (paid learning)
FREE ILLUSTRATOR DESIGN ASSETS
-25 links to FREE templates
-15 links to FREE brushes (some links have 50+ brushes)
-25 links to FREE vector icons
-10 links to FREE font websites
ILLUSTRATOR CAREERS
-25 links to money making ideas using Illustrator
-10 links to help you get started freelanceing
-9 links to help you build a strong portfolio
-10 links to the best Illustrator design portfolios
ILLUSTRATOR GOOD READS
-5 top selling Illustrator paper books to curve your cravings
Illustrator MERCH
- 9 links to some cool Illustrator inspired merchandise
Complete Beginner's Guide To Adobe Illustrator
- CHAPTER 1: Creating a New Document
- CHAPTER 2: Customizing Your Workspace
- CHAPTER 3: Tool Infographic (function of each tool)
- CHAPTER 4: Color Basics (how to change colors, use swatches and PMS colors)
- CHAPTER 5: Manipulating Type and Text
- CHAPTER 6: Rulers, Guides and Grids
- CHAPTER 7: How to Group Objects, Create Compound Paths and Clipping Masks
- CHAPTER 8: Mastering the PEN TOOL!!
- CHAPTER 9: How to turn raster images into vector graphics using Image Trace
- CHAPTER 10: How to Save (and/or) Export Your Documents Correctly
Ready to learn more photoshop magic?
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New ways to learn...
![](/uploads/7/9/8/9/79896812/s109775878817752949_p81_i13_w216.jpeg)
The Ultimate Illustrator Resource Guide
Get access to over 150 links to FREE tutorials, FREE templates, FREE vector downloads, money making ideas, merchandise and books!!
FREE ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIAL VIDEOS
-64 links to Illustrator VIDEO Tutorials
-Beginners Techniques
-Intermediate Techniques
-Pen Tool
-Logo Design
-Create Your Own Font
-Social Media Graphics
-Design & Layout
ILLUSTRATOR PAID LEARNING INVESTMENTS
-10 links to online Illustrator investments (paid learning)
FREE ILLUSTRATOR DESIGN ASSETS
-25 links to FREE templates
-15 links to FREE brushes (some links have 50+ brushes)
-25 links to FREE vector icons
-10 links to FREE font websites
ILLUSTRATOR CAREERS
-25 links to money making ideas using Illustrator
-10 links to help you get started freelanceing
-9 links to help you build a strong portfolio
-10 links to the best Illustrator design portfolios
ILLUSTRATOR GOOD READS
-5 top selling Illustrator paper books to curve your cravings
Illustrator MERCH
- 9 links to some cool Illustrator inspired merchandise
![](/uploads/7/9/8/9/79896812/s109775878817752949_p73_i5_w587.png)
Complete Beginner's Guide To Adobe Illustrator
- CHAPTER 1: Creating a New Document
- CHAPTER 2: Customizing Your Workspace
- CHAPTER 3: Tool Infographic (function of each tool)
- CHAPTER 4: Color Basics (how to change colors, use swatches and PMS colors)
- CHAPTER 5: Manipulating Type and Text
- CHAPTER 6: Rulers, Guides and Grids
- CHAPTER 7: How to Group Objects, Create Compound Paths and Clipping Masks
- CHAPTER 8: Mastering the PEN TOOL!!
- CHAPTER 9: How to turn raster images into vector graphics using Image Trace
- CHAPTER 10: How to Save (and/or) Export Your Documents Correctly
![](/uploads/7/9/8/9/79896812/s109775878817752949_p85_i12_w216.jpeg)
The Ultimate PHOTOSHOP Resource Guide
WHAT'S INSIDE THE RESOURCE GUIDE?
- Over 100 FREE Photoshop video tutorials
- Bonus #1 - 12 FREE Photoshop Actions
- Bonus #2 - 24 FREE Photoshop mock-ups, templates and textures
more ways to learn...
The Ultimate Illustrator Resource Guide
Get access to over 150 links to FREE tutorials, FREE templates, FREE vector downloads, money making ideas, merchandise and books!!
FREE ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIAL VIDEOS
-64 links to Illustrator VIDEO Tutorials
-Beginners Techniques
-Intermediate Techniques
-Pen Tool
-Logo Design
-Create Your Own Font
-Social Media Graphics
-Design & Layout
ILLUSTRATOR PAID LEARNING INVESTMENTS
-10 links to online Illustrator investments (paid learning)
FREE ILLUSTRATOR DESIGN ASSETS
-25 links to FREE templates
-15 links to FREE brushes (some links have 50+ brushes)
-25 links to FREE vector icons
-10 links to FREE font websites
ILLUSTRATOR CAREERS
-25 links to money making ideas using Illustrator
-10 links to help you get started freelanceing
-9 links to help you build a strong portfolio
-10 links to the best Illustrator design portfolios
ILLUSTRATOR GOOD READS
-5 top selling Illustrator paper books to curve your cravings
Illustrator MERCH
- 9 links to some cool Illustrator inspired merchandise
Complete Beginner's Guide To Adobe Illustrator
- CHAPTER 1: Creating a New Document
- CHAPTER 2: Customizing Your Workspace
- CHAPTER 3: Tool Infographic (function of each tool)
- CHAPTER 4: Color Basics (how to change colors, use swatches and PMS colors)
- CHAPTER 5: Manipulating Type and Text
- CHAPTER 6: Rulers, Guides and Grids
- CHAPTER 7: How to Group Objects, Create Compound Paths and Clipping Masks
- CHAPTER 8: Mastering the PEN TOOL!!
- CHAPTER 9: How to turn raster images into vector graphics using Image Trace
- CHAPTER 10: How to Save (and/or) Export Your Documents Correctly
More Ways to Learn...
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Please please PLEASE email me your finished pieces if you so choose to create your own. I would love to see them!
more ways to learn...
![](/uploads/7/9/8/9/79896812/s109775878817752949_p81_i13_w216.jpeg)
The Ultimate Illustrator Resource Guide
Get access to over 150 links to FREE tutorials, FREE templates, FREE vector downloads, money making ideas, merchandise and books!!
FREE ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIAL VIDEOS
-64 links to Illustrator VIDEO Tutorials
-Beginners Techniques
-Intermediate Techniques
-Pen Tool
-Logo Design
-Create Your Own Font
-Social Media Graphics
-Design & Layout
ILLUSTRATOR PAID LEARNING INVESTMENTS
-10 links to online Illustrator investments (paid learning)
FREE ILLUSTRATOR DESIGN ASSETS
-25 links to FREE templates
-15 links to FREE brushes (some links have 50+ brushes)
-25 links to FREE vector icons
-10 links to FREE font websites
ILLUSTRATOR CAREERS
-25 links to money making ideas using Illustrator
-10 links to help you get started freelanceing
-9 links to help you build a strong portfolio
-10 links to the best Illustrator design portfolios
ILLUSTRATOR GOOD READS
-5 top selling Illustrator paper books to curve your cravings
Illustrator MERCH
- 9 links to some cool Illustrator inspired merchandise
![](/uploads/7/9/8/9/79896812/s109775878817752949_p73_i5_w587.png)
Complete Beginner's Guide To Adobe Illustrator
- CHAPTER 1: Creating a New Document
- CHAPTER 2: Customizing Your Workspace
- CHAPTER 3: Tool Infographic (function of each tool)
- CHAPTER 4: Color Basics (how to change colors, use swatches and PMS colors)
- CHAPTER 5: Manipulating Type and Text
- CHAPTER 6: Rulers, Guides and Grids
- CHAPTER 7: How to Group Objects, Create Compound Paths and Clipping Masks
- CHAPTER 8: Mastering the PEN TOOL!!
- CHAPTER 9: How to turn raster images into vector graphics using Image Trace
- CHAPTER 10: How to Save (and/or) Export Your Documents Correctly
![](/uploads/7/9/8/9/79896812/s109775878817752949_p85_i12_w216.jpeg)
The Ultimate PHOTOSHOP Resource Guide
WHAT'S INSIDE THE RESOURCE GUIDE?
- Over 100 FREE Photoshop video tutorials
- Bonus #1 - 12 FREE Photoshop Actions
- Bonus #2 - 24 FREE Photoshop mock-ups, templates and textures
You might also enjoy...
This one can be really tricky unless you know the right tool! Yes, Photoshop created a specific tool just for this need.
Have you ever tried to remove the background of an image that had a lot of fine detail like fine wispy pieces of hair? Or pet's with fluffy fur?
Then this tutorial is for you! I'll show you how to use the background eraser tool to quickly and easily remove a background while keeping the fine details in tact!
More Ways To Learn...
The Ultimate PHOTOSHOP Resource Guide
WHAT'S INSIDE THE RESOURCE GUIDE?
- Over 100 FREE Photoshop video tutorials
- Bonus #1 - 12 FREE Photoshop Actions
- Bonus #2 - 24 FREE Photoshop mock-ups, templates and textures
The Ultimate Illustrator Resource Guide
Get access to over 150 links to FREE tutorials, FREE templates, FREE vector downloads, money making ideas, merchandise and books!!
FREE ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIAL VIDEOS
-64 links to Illustrator VIDEO Tutorials
-Beginners Techniques
-Intermediate Techniques
-Pen Tool
-Logo Design
-Create Your Own Font
-Social Media Graphics
-Design & Layout
ILLUSTRATOR PAID LEARNING INVESTMENTS
-10 links to online Illustrator investments (paid learning)
FREE ILLUSTRATOR DESIGN ASSETS
-25 links to FREE templates
-15 links to FREE brushes (some links have 50+ brushes)
-25 links to FREE vector icons
-10 links to FREE font websites
ILLUSTRATOR CAREERS
-25 links to money making ideas using Illustrator
-10 links to help you get started freelanceing
-9 links to help you build a strong portfolio
-10 links to the best Illustrator design portfolios
ILLUSTRATOR GOOD READS
-5 top selling Illustrator paper books to curve your cravings
Illustrator MERCH
- 9 links to some cool Illustrator inspired merchandise
Complete Beginner's Guide To Adobe Illustrator
- CHAPTER 1: Creating a New Document
- CHAPTER 2: Customizing Your Workspace
- CHAPTER 3: Tool Infographic (function of each tool)
- CHAPTER 4: Color Basics (how to change colors, use swatches and PMS colors)
- CHAPTER 5: Manipulating Type and Text
- CHAPTER 6: Rulers, Guides and Grids
- CHAPTER 7: How to Group Objects, Create Compound Paths and Clipping Masks
- CHAPTER 8: Mastering the PEN TOOL!!
- CHAPTER 9: How to turn raster images into vector graphics using Image Trace
- CHAPTER 10: How to Save (and/or) Export Your Documents Correctly
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Get creative with it!!
other recent posts...
In this tutorial I will explain how layers work and how to navigate the layers panel so you can quickly separate your artwork into easily editable pieces, quickly rearrange top to bottom order and lock and unlock with ease.
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I use photos in almost every client design project. I know when you think of Illustrator you don't automatically think raster images since it is a vector based design program but knowing how to use images and manipulate them inside Illustrator can save you a lot of time switching between programs.
In today's tutorial I am going to go a step further and demonstrate 4 photo tricks that I use regularly.
1. How to feather/fade the edge of a photo
2. How to fill text with a photo
3. How to change the transparency of a photo
4. How to convert a photo's color mode
As promised in the video here are the written steps to creating a text photo background:
1. Using the type tool, type out your text using a large thick font.
2. Outline your text.
3. Select your outlined text and go to OBJECT/Compound Path/Make
4. Place your text on top of your photo
5. Select both your photo and text
6. Go to OBJECT/Clipping Mask/Make
7. VIOLA
![](/uploads/7/9/8/9/79896812/s109775878817752949_p81_i13_w216.jpeg)
The Ultimate Illustrator Resource Guide
Get access to over 150 links to FREE tutorials, FREE templates, FREE vector downloads, money making ideas, merchandise and books!!
FREE ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIAL VIDEOS
-64 links to Illustrator VIDEO Tutorials
-Beginners Techniques
-Intermediate Techniques
-Pen Tool
-Logo Design
-Create Your Own Font
-Social Media Graphics
-Design & Layout
ILLUSTRATOR PAID LEARNING INVESTMENTS
-10 links to online Illustrator investments (paid learning)
FREE ILLUSTRATOR DESIGN ASSETS
-25 links to FREE templates
-15 links to FREE brushes (some links have 50+ brushes)
-25 links to FREE vector icons
-10 links to FREE font websites
ILLUSTRATOR CAREERS
-25 links to money making ideas using Illustrator
-10 links to help you get started freelanceing
-9 links to help you build a strong portfolio
-10 links to the best Illustrator design portfolios
ILLUSTRATOR GOOD READS
-5 top selling Illustrator paper books to curve your cravings
Illustrator MERCH
- 9 links to some cool Illustrator inspired merchandise
![](/uploads/7/9/8/9/79896812/s109775878817752949_p73_i5_w587.png)
Complete Beginner's Guide To Adobe Illustrator
- CHAPTER 1: Creating a New Document
- CHAPTER 2: Customizing Your Workspace
- CHAPTER 3: Tool Infographic (function of each tool)
- CHAPTER 4: Color Basics (how to change colors, use swatches and PMS colors)
- CHAPTER 5: Manipulating Type and Text
- CHAPTER 6: Rulers, Guides and Grids
- CHAPTER 7: How to Group Objects, Create Compound Paths and Clipping Masks
- CHAPTER 8: Mastering the PEN TOOL!!
- CHAPTER 9: How to turn raster images into vector graphics using Image Trace
- CHAPTER 10: How to Save (and/or) Export Your Documents Correctly
More tutorials...
more ways to learn...
![](/uploads/7/9/8/9/79896812/s109775878817752949_p81_i13_w216.jpeg)
The Ultimate Illustrator Resource Guide
Get access to over 150 links to FREE tutorials, FREE templates, FREE vector downloads, money making ideas, merchandise and books!!
FREE ILLUSTRATOR TUTORIAL VIDEOS
-64 links to Illustrator VIDEO Tutorials
-Beginners Techniques
-Intermediate Techniques
-Pen Tool
-Logo Design
-Create Your Own Font
-Social Media Graphics
-Design & Layout
ILLUSTRATOR PAID LEARNING INVESTMENTS
-10 links to online Illustrator investments (paid learning)
FREE ILLUSTRATOR DESIGN ASSETS
-25 links to FREE templates
-15 links to FREE brushes (some links have 50+ brushes)
-25 links to FREE vector icons
-10 links to FREE font websites
ILLUSTRATOR CAREERS
-25 links to money making ideas using Illustrator
-10 links to help you get started freelanceing
-9 links to help you build a strong portfolio
-10 links to the best Illustrator design portfolios
ILLUSTRATOR GOOD READS
-5 top selling Illustrator paper books to curve your cravings
Illustrator MERCH
- 9 links to some cool Illustrator inspired merchandise
![](/uploads/7/9/8/9/79896812/s109775878817752949_p73_i5_w587.png)
Complete Beginner's Guide To Adobe Illustrator
- CHAPTER 1: Creating a New Document
- CHAPTER 2: Customizing Your Workspace
- CHAPTER 3: Tool Infographic (function of each tool)
- CHAPTER 4: Color Basics (how to change colors, use swatches and PMS colors)
- CHAPTER 5: Manipulating Type and Text
- CHAPTER 6: Rulers, Guides and Grids
- CHAPTER 7: How to Group Objects, Create Compound Paths and Clipping Masks
- CHAPTER 8: Mastering the PEN TOOL!!
- CHAPTER 9: How to turn raster images into vector graphics using Image Trace
- CHAPTER 10: How to Save (and/or) Export Your Documents Correctly
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Do you NEED them? No, absolutely not. Are they fun? Yes. Will they save you time? Yes.
Let's take a look at a few of my favorites...
1. MAGIC PATTERN PRO ILLUSTRATOR SCRIPT Magic Pattern Pro is a script for Adobe Illustrator which automatically creates seamless patterns from any sample of your art. There are 20 templates of patterns inside! This plug-in allows you to fast and easily create patterns on the Artboard. There is also a new feature called “Create All” which makes 20 seamless patterns with one click. Compatibility: Adobe Illustrator CS5, Adobe Illustrator CS6, Adobe Illustrator CC. Script version is universal for Windows and Macintosh OS. |
Erin Gipford
I am destined to help people save time and work smarter by using the best design software on the market, Adobe Creative Cloud. I have over 21 years as a professional graphic designer. I'm excited to share my wealth of knowledge!
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