Applying filters and effects


    You can apply filters and effects to one or more objects. In addition, you can apply effects to just the fill or stroke of an object, or to a layer or group. If an effect is applied to a layer or group, the effect also affects any objects moved into the layer or group; objects moved out of the layer or group do not retain the effect. (See Targeting layers, groups, and containers.)

    Because many commands appear under both the Filter and Effect menus, it's important to understand the difference between them before applying a filter or an effect. Also, some filters can't be applied to vector objects, others can't be applied to bitmap objects, and some can't be applied in documents in CMYK color mode. (See Comparing filters and effects.)

    For a description of the available filters and effects and to identify which filters and effects can and can't be applied to vector objects or bitmap objects, see Summary of filters and effects.

    For more information on things to consider when applying filters or effects to bitmap objects, see Changing the appearance of bitmap images with filters and effects.

    Note: You can apply filters or effects to type objects, but not to selected characters within the type objects.

To apply a filter or an effect:

  1. Do one of the following:
    • To apply a filter or effect to an object or group, select the object or group.
    • To apply a filter or effect to a layer, click the layer's target icon in the Layers palette.

    Note: The filters in the bottom section of the Filter menu (starting with "Artistic") can't be applied to multiple objects, a group, or a layer.

    • To apply a filter or effect to a specific object attribute, such as a stroke or fill, select the object, and then select the attribute in the Appearance palette.
    • To add an effect to a graphic style, deselect all artwork, and then select a graphic style in the Graphic Styles palette.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Choose a command from the Filter or Effect menu.
    • To apply the filter or effect and settings that were used last, choose Filter > Apply [Filter Name] or Effect > Apply [Effect Name].
    • To apply the last used filter or effect and set its options, choose Filter > [Filter Name] or Effect > [Effect Name].
  3. If a dialog box appears, specify settings. For more information on a specific command, see the command name in Summary of filters and effects.
  4. To preview the results, do one of the following in the dialog box:
    • If available, select the Preview option in the dialog box to preview the results in the document window
    • If a preview image appears in the dialog box, you can drag in the preview box to center a specific area of the image. Use the + or - button under the preview box to zoom in or zoom out of the preview. A flashing line beneath the preview size indicates that Illustrator is still rendering the preview.
  5. Click OK to apply the command.
  6. Tip iconTo subsequently edit an effect's settings or remove an effect you can use the Appearance palette. (See Modifying and removing appearance attributes.)