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A
Allyssa5D34
Participant
July 15, 2021
Question

Gradient Mesh is blocked / Can’t select it

  • July 15, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 10689 views

I'm trying to create a wavy, psychedelic text effect. Tutorials on YouTube say that I need to be able to use the "Create Gradient Mesh" option under "Object" but when I select Object, Create Gradient Mesh isn't highlighted or able to be accessed in any way. I have updated my version of Illustrator and I'm using my desktop, not working off my tablet (where this isn't an option at all). 

I'm very determined to learn this particular effect so any help is very gratefully appreacitated. 

    2 replies

    K
    KB1_337982
    Participant
    March 20, 2024

    Allyssa5D34,

    Here's what to do.

    1. Go to Object

    2. Find "Rasterize"

    3. The one above it is the "Create Mesh"

    But, before you do this, make sure you have the area that you want meshed, selected. Then, after you do that, complete the steps above. After you complete those steps, the area thatyou had selected should give you a bunch of anchor points. If you go to Window, show Color, then you can figure out how you want your gradient to be.

    Please let me know if this worked!

     

    ~Kendall

     

      tromboniator
      Community Expert
      tromboniatorCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      July 16, 2021

      Hi, Allyssa,

       

      It's not clear whether you've tried to make a gradient mesh directly from a type object, but that is not possible; nor is it possible to make a gradient mesh from compound paths, which is what you get by creating outlines or expanding type. Even if you release these compounds, any letter containing a counter (hole) will still be a compound path. If you release those compound paths, you have the problem of how to put the counters back once you've grouped the letter-shaped paths and created the gradient mesh.

       

      My suggestion is to make the gradient mesh from a much simpler shape such as a rectangle or ellipse, Arrange the type object on top of it, select both, and create a clipping mask.

       

      Peter

        J
        JoshwaKatzio
        Participating Frequently
        October 7, 2024

        Hi Peter,

         

        It's not clear where you got your information from but it is most definitely possible to make a gradient mesh directly from a type object (as seen in attached photos). It is clunky to work with but not "impossible" as you said.

         

         

        Monika Gause
        Community Expert
        Monika GauseCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        October 7, 2024
        @JoshwaKatzio  schrieb:

        (as seen in attached photos). 

         

         

         

        That is not a gradient mesh. You made an envelope.

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