Panel Functions

Target Graphic(s)
Defaults
Numeric Entry
Palette Aids

Gradient Fill Geometry


All graphics with an interior, including Text Boxes, may have a Gradient Fill. The parameters that control the angle and focal location of the Gradient Fill pattern are found on the Gradient Fill Panel. To show this panel select "Gradient Fill" from the Tools Menu which is on the Main Menu.

If your goal is to simply add or change the color of a graphic use the Style Panel which defines a graphic's fill color. Gradient FIll is "turned off" by selecting None for the Shape parameter.

A graphic doesn't need to be formally closed (like a rectangle or circle) to accept "Gradient Fill". All Bezier Curves accept Gradient Fill, a virtual straight line connects the start and end points to set the bounds of the fill color. Text boxes accept fill too.

A Gradient Fill has a focal point. For the "Shade" Shape the focal point is a line. The focal point is the spot that is colored 100% the inner color. For all shapes except Horizontal and Vertical you may specify the location of this focal point. The focal point is specified in polar coordinates, using a radius and angle value. These may be entered using the parameters shown circled.

The radius is specified in units that are approximately a percentage of a measure of the graphic's overall diameter. Graphics with rectangular shape do not have a well defined diameter, for this reason the Gradient Fill Location Radius is given in approximate arbitrary units. The value is best chosen by experimentation and viewing the attained effects.

The angle specification is well defined and given in degrees. Note that if the radius is zero, changes to the angle will have no effect.

The Color and Convergence parameters have effect on the appearance of a Gradient FIll pattern.

The examples to the right demonstrates a few possibilities for using the Location parameters for Gradient Fill.