Ridiculous Gradient Process inDesign

[richardb62236718]

The process to make a color gradient is so ridiculous in inDesign that it is not even funny. I don't think I am stupid, but nothing seems to be intuitive and it does not work.

[kglad]

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.

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[Lukas Engqvist]

I think InDesign assumes that you want to make a design system, and in that way is different in how other applications have done the gradient tool. Building a style guide you will for colours use Swatches which are in effect "Colour Styles", though they are not called that. The idea is you drag from your working palette of colours (in your swatches) to your gradient panel. (yes if you are used to Illsutrator where you can click on the gradient you are dissapointed)

An alternative way is to create a gradient swatch… then once you edit a Gradient Swatch you will see that you can add colour stops from any colour model as well as change their,  Swatch, RGB, CMYK, LAB, Spot colour… (Unlike Illustrator or Photoshop there is not the option to define transparency on a colour stop, but there is a special type of gradient called the gradient feather.)

I understand that you may be frustrated by these limitations if you are expecting the flexibility of Photoshop or Illustrator gradients. I hope this helps you manage what you have.

If you want to formulate what you want there is a User Voice or Feature request that you can share your comments on https://indesign.uservoice.com/forums/601021-adobe-indesign-feature-requests/suggestions/36080107-in... 

[richardb62236718]

Thanks. I just wanted a simple one-time gradient, but Adobe must assume no one just needs that. I appreciate your comments.

[Steve Werner · Accepted solution]

I would not use the adjectives you're using to describe creating gradients in InDesign. It's neither ridiculous nor funny.

Compared to lllustrator's gradients, it's just very simple-minded. Illustrator has very powerful gradient features.

It's more accurate to start by creating swatch colors for the colors your want to include in the gradient. I created swatches which are Green, Purple and a Purple Tint (using New Tint Swatch):

When you choose New Gradient, you're applying color swatches to the Color Stops on the Gradient slider at the bottom:

I changed the Purple tint to 30%:

Result:

[Steve Werner]

In addition, you can click the bottom of the gradient slider to add additional color stops

This is a linear gradient. You can also create a radial gradient.

[richardb62236718]

Thanks. Frustrating that it does not work the way you describe. That would be intuitive.

[Steve Werner]

>Frustrating that it does not work the way you describe.

Now that I don't understand. I demoed how to do it. I teach it in my classes every semester. I never hear my students complain about it not working.

[richardb62236718]

Steve:

I appreciate you sticking with me. I missed one detail in your explanation. After I caught that, it now works. I sure wish that I had some training on both InDesign and Photoshop. I have used both for a long time and had to learn on the fly. Thanks again.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Thanks. Frustrating that it does not work the way you describe. That would be intuitive.

By @richardb62236718

Which part of @Steve Werner description isn't working for you?

[richardb62236718]

Thanks Robert. I missed one of the steps. It now works as Steve described.

[Frans v.d. Geest]

But it does work the way Steve describes!
So you have to be more clear what does not work for you so we can help you doing it right...

[richardb62236718]

Frans....I missed a key step in Steve's explanation. It now works. Thank you.,