Gradient Tool in Illustrator Overlays Everyhting

Question

I just upgraded to 2024 Illustrator, but when I use the gradient tool, no matter which layer I'm using it on, it overlays stuff on layers above it, or if it's on the same layer as another item, it overlays everything on that layer, even if it is "sent to back".  The file I'm working on has both vector text and normal text tool characters on it, and though all the letters are on the same layer, only the lower vector one is not affected by the gradient (which is on it's own layer underneath everything else).  The upper vectors and the text tool "&" get covered by the gradient.  Anyone come across this issue and know how to fix it?

Kurt Gold · Accepted Answer

Thank you. Here is the example.

It is a snipit from that file with all the layers as they are in the main file. The two "S"s and the "&" (Layer 2) should all be appearing above the gradient (Layer 1), but only the lower "S" is. Yet the "Department" (Layer 3) comes out on top of the gradient. The two "S"s are vectors, and the "&" and "Department" are from the text tool, so there doesn't appear to be any rhyme or reason to what is appearing above and what is appearing below the gradient, even though all items should be above it.

Are you perhaps referring to the blend mode "Screen" that is applied to some of the objects in question?

Direct select them (for example the "&"), go to the Transparency palette and change the blend mode to "Normal" (or to something else).

Kurt Gold · Answer

It's a bit difficult to understand the issue just based on your screenshot.

Can you share a sample Illustrator file with some further instructions? What are you actually doing and what is the desired result?

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