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.

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Scanning file for viruses.

This file cannot be downloaded