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Adding SVG filter effects to artwork


    You can use SVG filters to add graphic effects such as drop shadows to your artwork. SVG filters differ from their bitmap counterparts in that they are XML-based. In fact, an SVG filter is nothing more than a series of XML properties that describe various mathematical operations. The resulting effect is rendered to the target object instead of the source graphic.

    Illustrator provides a set of standard SVG filters. You can use the filter with its default properties, edit the XML code to produce custom effects, or write new SVG filters.

    Important: An SVG filter effect must be the last effect when an object has multiple effects; in other words, it must appear at the bottom of the Appearance palette (just above the Transparency entry). If other effects follow an SVG filter effect, the SVG output will consist of a raster object.

To apply an SVG filter effect:

  1. Select one or more objects on the artboard, or target an item in the Layers palette. (See Changing the appearance of artwork using the Layers palette.)
  2. Choose Effect > SVG Filters> Apply SVG Filter, and do one of the following:
    • To apply a filter with its default settings, select a filter in the list, and click OK.
    • To apply a filter with custom settings, select a filter, and click the Edit SVG Filter button  the Edit SVG Filter button . Edit the default code, and click OK.
    • To create and apply a new filter, click the New SVG Filter button  the New Symbol button . Enter the new code, and click OK.

    Note: When you apply an SVG filter effect, Illustrator displays a rasterized version of the effect on the artboard. You can control the resolution of this preview image by modifying the document's rasterization resolution setting. (See Specifying raster effects settings.)

To import SVG filter definitions into a document:

  1. Choose Effect > SVG Filter > Import SVG Filter.
  2. Select the SVG file you want to import filters from, and click Open.

To delete an SVG filter definition from a document:

    Select a filter in the Apply SVG Filters dialog box, and click the Trash button.

To modify Illustrator's default SVG filters:

    Use a text editor to edit the Adobe SVG Filters.svg file in the Plug-ins folder inside the Adobe Illustrator application folder. You can modify existing filter definitions, delete filter definitions, and add new filter definitions.