Cannot apply gradient to image

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
June 1, 2017
3 replies
5132 views

Hi,

I am trying to apply a gradient to an image in Illustrator. I select the gradient tool, but cannot get the gradient to stay on my image. What am I doing wrong? I use Illustrator rather infrequently, and do not remember how to do it. I've looked in help and watched tutorials, and still cannot get it to work. Is there a difference between creating an object and using a photo?

This is for a retractable banner.

Thanks,
Claire

This topic has been closed for replies.

Correct answer Mike_Gondek10189183

Hi Claire,

You cannot add a gradient to a bitmapped image/placed photo, only to vector shapes.

Maybe if you post a screenshot of where you are at, we can help you better arrive at a solution.

chanaart

Community Expert

You cannot apply a gradient to a bitmap image or to a live type in Illustrator.

Only to a vector shape or outline type. You can use the appearance panel to add a gradient effect to a live type or mask.

Illustrator is a vector based program - Gradient is Vector in Illustrator!

Silly-V

Legend

With Illustrator's vectorizing features, it's possible to mock this functionality in certain cases. First, it's possible to add a new fill appearance on a raster image and use the Convert to Shape effect to turn the fill into a rectangle the size of the image. Now you can apply a gradient to this fill and play some tricks with a 'gradient map overlay'.

However if one seeks to make a gradient over an irregularly-shaped image, this can be possible when the image has transparent pixel space and the new fill is added through the appearance panel along with a Path > Outline Object effect.

In this example of the Maxxon Computers logo, the resolution is poor and the image is quite pixellated, but it still does an OK job of making a circle out of this PNG. A higher-res image would create even smoother boundaries.

Now, the black fill is changed to a gradient.

One of the best parts is that any appearance combination can be saved as a Graphic Style. After the style is created in the Graphic Styles panel, it can be applied to other images in one click.

Other effects or properties of appearance styling can be used along with the gradient to create different-looking gradient mappings. In this case, the Hard Light blend mode changes the colors of the image by interacting the gradient with the underlying pixels.

Live Type

As for live text, it's also possible to use the appearance panel to map gradients to an entire text frame - but not individual characters without outlining it.