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Prenihility
Known Participant
July 20, 2019
Question

Pattern Transparency Gradients in Illustrator

  • July 20, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 2733 views

How can I create transparency gradients for patterns. REAL/actual patterns. Not DIY shapes arranged to make a pattern. Using the tools inside the software to make a pattern. An actual pattern swatch. I cringe when I see video tutorials and the person hasn't even made an actual pattern.

You use the gradient tool and use the colour of the background as the secondary colour. Gee, thanks tips!

I made an actual pattern swatch. How can I add a transparency gradient to it?

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2 replies

Peter Villevoye
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 20, 2019

What do you mean by these "real/actual" patterns – images of patterns in fabrics or materials ?

Anyway, you can make the shape with the patterned fill appear transparant by using a Mask.

Take a copy of the pattern-filled shape (the moon, remove the pattern and use e.g. a gradient from black to white to define which areas need to be transparant or opaque. Put it on top of the pattern-filled shape, select them both and use the Transparency panel to create the mask.

Hurray for the First Man on the Moon, today exactly 50 years ago !!

tromboniator
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 20, 2019

It's not at all clear to me what you are asking for. Is one of these even close? Can you provide an example or sketch?

Peter