Unable to use gradient tool

[Oh.N8]

Gradient Tool: crosshairs next to it little circle crossed out.

[creative explorer]

@Oh.N8 because you have no fill? 

Add any colour to it, and apply the gradient to it. 

[Oh.N8]

@creative explorer Ya... I had stroke on instead of fill. Just learning how to use Illustrator. Thanks.

[Monika Gause]

It won't work on strokes.

[creative explorer]

@Monika Gause are you sure?

[Monika Gause]

That is the problem when everyone calls everything a "tool".

Yes, I'm sure.

[creative explorer]

I did the gradient on a square, circle, polygon, and a weird custom shape... what am a missing

[Monika Gause]

The gradient tool does not work on them. 

The tool from the tool panel. 

[Oh.N8]

Either way the gradient tool from the panel is working. I appreciate the feedback and happy to see that there are work arounds...

[Monika Gause]

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@Oh.N8  schrieb:

Either way the gradient tool from the panel is working.

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So the options you set up in the gradient panel work?

When asking in the forums please be precise, because that spares you a lot of headaches. In your initial question you were referring to the actual tool (from the tool panel), which was perfect. When referring to those panels from the Window menu, they are panels that have options and values and whatnot (only one of those also contains a tool).

In Illustrator there are some functions in the menu and some panels that have the same names as some tools. So referring to them precisely will get you an answer more quickly 🙂

Glad you could solve it!

[Oh.N8]

Hey @Monika Gause 
I appreciate the feedback and suggests. As you may tell, I am new to Illustrator. Yes, mentioning that the "tool" in question came from the panel would have made more sense. 

The issue was quickly resolved regardless. A simple oversight on my part for sure. Again thank-you for helping.