Expert: Amy - 10/10/2003

Question
Mac Format:

Hi Amy,

I am trying to create a block of gradient from 'white to transparent'  (to create a motion effect on the artwork im working on at the mo) but i cannot get the transparent effect.  It will not let me colour the gradient swatch in 'NONE'.

I know you can do this in Photoshop but i need to keep it vector based.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Many thanks in advance

Damian x  

Answer
Hello Damian.

While you'd think that capability should be readily available in AI, it's not; you have to do it in a roundabout way that seems ridiculous when you're doing it

Let's say your gradient is going to be white (left) to transparent (right), okay?

First Lock down your image so you don't have to worry about selecting it when you don't want to.

Create a rectangle over the image and fill it with solid white.

Copy that rectangle and paste in front (Ctrl+F).  

This new rectangle will be the gradient. In the gradient window, make the left side white and the right side black.

Now select both the solid white and white/black gradient rectangles together, make sure they're aligned, and in the Transparency Window (Shift + F10) click on the upper righthand flyout menu arrow and choose Make Opacity Mask.

That should have done it.

If not, write back!

Good luck!

Amy Pace