How can I convert gradient mesh lines to strokes with their own color?

Question

I am a long time Illustrator user but am just using mesh tool for the first time. I get how to create the mesh, and add color to it, but I'd now like to add a stroke color to the mesh lines themselves. Is this possible? Here is where I am - color added, mesh lines highlighted, but I'd like to have a stroke width and stroke color applied to the mesh lines.

Kurt Gold · Answer

It's pretty easy to create stroked paths based on the mesh lines.

Count the numbers of rows and columns of your mesh (in your example: 11 rows, 9 columns).
Take the Rectangular Grid tool and create a stroked grid with 10 horizontal dividers and 8 vertical dividers.
Place a copy of the gradient mesh above the rectangular grid.
Select both the rectangular grid and the gradient mesh.
Object menu > Envelope Distort > Make with Top Object.
Object menu > Envelope Distort > Expand.

After that you can do some Object menu > Path > Simplify in order to reduce the number of anchor points.

Also, bear in mind that after step 3 or 5 you may want to change the Fidelity setting in the Envelope Options dialog to get more accurate results.

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