Applying gradient to multiple objects

[SmallBear]

I am trying to apply one smooth solid gradient on the outlined countries, and it will not allow me. Has anyone had the same issue and solved it. Thank you.

[jane-e]

Select the multiple objects. Or group them. Confirm that you are putting the gradient on the fill.

Use the gradient tool "G" and drag across the objects.

[SmallBear]

It its weird. I can not change the fill color to the gradient swatch. It will only be black.

[Eternal Warrior]

You need the gradient selected or active... Also try switching the selection to gradient this way:

[SmallBear]

That works, but when I mark the map the fill gets black and I can not change it.

[Monika Gause]

Please show the contents of the layers panel.

Please show the outline view.

Please describe step by step what exactly is happening, which tool or panel exactly you use.

[Eternal Warrior]

Did you make the paths yourself for this document or is this imported/placed from somewhere. Can you post a link to download/view the file via dropbox etc?

[SmallBear]

[SmallBear]

[Eternal Warrior]

Share a link to the Illy file please?

[SmallBear]

WeTransfer

[Eternal Warrior]

That file uses Meshes which is why the gradient wont fill...

Try following these instructions with either the whole mesh or each part individually selected:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.Invert from stroke to fill as shown before.

6.

Ta da! this should get the answer you want. You may have to delete all the meshes afterwards... They made my PC lag badly anyway...

Best,

EW

[Monika Gause]

All of those paths are gradient meshes. You could have easily found out in the layers panel.

There's nothing to fill there.

[jane-e]

If you are not required to use that particular map, you might look for a different vector map of Africa.

I found several available for purchase on Adobe Stock. You could look there or elsewhere.

[SmallBear]

Wow thanks for excellent help!

[Eternal Warrior]

Are you thanking jane-e or??

Not that she doesn't deserve thanks but you know...

[SmallBear]

Haha, actually I am still having issues. Where did you find outlined vector maps on line that don't require a membership?

[SmallBear]

WeTransfer

Could u please see what's up with this file now? I still can not make a smooth gradient through the outlined countries. Thanks again!

[Eternal Warrior]

Also how did you get the gradient stroke as in the first image? have you tried simply swapping the fill and stroke around with all the relevant paths selected?

[jane-e]

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Eternal+Warrior  wrote

Also how did you get the gradient stroke as in the first image? have you tried simply swapping the fill and stroke around with all the relevant paths selected?

Eternal Warrior​, I could be wrong, but it looks to me like the image is made up of fills that look like strokes. We still haven't seen the Layers panel with an object selected.

[SmallBear]

[Eternal Warrior]

show the actual path/mesh that doesn't mean much to jane-e

[jane-e]

Elise,

Spin open Layer 1 so we can see what the objects actually are, please.

Did you do anything to the image? Image trace from a jpeg, for instance? Or did it come to you like this?

[jane-e]

I looked up the original file and downloaded it. It is an .svg and it is a compound path.

Release the compound path. Add a gradient fill to the shapes and a thin dark stroke. Use the gradient tool "G" and drag to make the gradient go across all selected or grouped objects.

https://thenounproject.com/term/africa/533134/

Don't type "U". That is the shortcut for the mesh tool. If you then click you will convert to a mesh object.

If you look at it in isolation mode and change the color, everything that is black changes to the new color. It is one big fill.

[Eternal Warrior]

Worse - it is a mesh path that looks like a stroke!!