How do I make a gradient carry through a honeycomb pattern as one piece?

[AaronFUJITSU]

I want to take the shape that has the gradient, and have it comprised of the honeycomb pattern, and with the gradiant carrying through from one end to the other in one piece. The honeycomb is made up of individual hex objects, and after trying every single masking techinque I can think of, the only thing i've been able to do so far is make a white version of the shape I want. If anyone has suggestions that'd be awesome. Thanks.

[Monika Gause]

You could apply it as an opacity mask.

How to edit artwork using transparency and blending modes in Illustrator

[Ray Yorkshire · Accepted solution]

Another way:

you could select all the polygons

Object  > Compound path > Make

apply the  red gradient fill to them

move the rectangle shape on top, select all, and

Object > Clipping mask > Make

[Ton Frederiks]

make your Gradient into a Gradient swatch.

Select all your hexagons.

Object > Compound Path > Make

Apply the gradient swatch

You can use the Gradient tool (G) to set the direction of your gradient

[BeanFactory]

You could also do it using just shapes if you like.

1. Make a copy of the honeycomb pattern underneath your original one.

2. Join the newly created honeycomb pattern into one shape. I'm a fan of the pathfinder for this.

3. Apply the gradient to the newly-formed big lumpy shape.

4. Either change the blending mode of the original honeycomb to something like "multiply" so only the dark stuff shows up, or switch it to having only a black stroke and no fill. Whatever suits you.