Applying graphic styles


    You can apply graphic styles to objects, groups, and layers. (You can't apply graphic styles to type objects that use outline-protected fonts or bitmap fonts.) When you apply a graphic style, the new graphic style overrides any graphic style that was previously applied to the item.

    When you apply a graphic style to a group or layer, every object in the group or layer takes on the attributes of the graphic style. For example, assume you have a graphic style that consists of 50% opacity. If you apply the graphic style to a layer, all objects in or added to that layer will appear 50% opaque. However, if you move an object out of the layer, the object's appearance reverts to its previous opacity. (See Targeting layers, groups, and containers.)

    Tip iconIf you apply a graphic style to a container, such as a group or layer, but the style's fill color doesn't appear in the artwork, drag the Fill attribute above the Contents entry in the Appearance palette.

    Note: To preserve the current color of the characters in a type object when applying a style, deselect Override Character Color in the Graphic Styles palette menu.

To apply a graphic style from the Graphic Styles palette to an object:

  1. Do one of the following:
    • Select an object or group, or target a layer in the Layers palette, and then click a graphic style in the palette.
    • Drag the graphic style onto an object in the document window. (The object does not have to be selected first.)
    • Select a graphic style in the Graphic Styles palette, and use the Paint Bucket tool to click an object.

    Tip iconUse the Window > Graphic Style Libraries menu to display additional graphic style libraries.

To copy a graphic style from one object to another:

    Do one of the following:

    • Select the object you want to change. Select the Eyedropper tool and then click the object that has the graphic style you want to apply. (See Copying attributes between objects.)
    • Select the Eyedropper tool and then click the object that has the graphic style you want to copy. Select the Paint Bucket tool and click the object you want to change.