blend colors, not the shapes

[Bezinex]

Hi, would it be possible in illustrator to blend the colors of two shapes (A) but not the shapes itself? (without rebuilding the shapes )

In illustrator I keep getting result B but what i want is result C (done in photoshop with gaussian blur)

[Monika Gause]

You mean create a gradient?

First these shapes would need to be united, then a gradient applied. Probably by using a script.

[Bezinex]

Hi Monika, yes a gradient between those two colors, i am looking for an easy way to do this because i need to do this for a lot of those coupled shaped, each with different colors and different sizes.

How would you handle this?

[innovative_adventurer5D56]

with shape builder tool, unite the two shapes as one object, then make a gradient with 2 colors

dont use blend tool is for blenging shape and color with specific steps.

[Bezinex]

Thank you Manal for pointing that out

[Anna Lander · Accepted solution]

If you don't want to lose the shapes as separate objects, you can group them and add the gradient using the Appearance panel.

1. Create the needed gradient (you can do it any moment by I prefer to prepare it before the Appearance changing). Add it to Swatches.

2. Group the shapes.

3. In the Appearance panel add the new Fill.

4. Choose the gradient in the Fill swatches box.

You can create and apply the gradient even without preliminary creating the swatch, just open the Gradient panel when the new fill is selected and adjust it as you want.

[Bezinex]

Thank you Anna, i guess i was hoping for something simpler but this will do, thank you!

[Anna Lander]

it's just as simple as blending 🙂