quick illustrator question

[AgentFitz]

this seems like it should be so easy yet I can't figure out how to add a non-destructive gradient to type/text in illustrator....I mean I know it can be done....you can do it in ps w/ the gradient overlay function.

I searched the forums and couldn't come up with anything, so any help would be appreciated :mario:

[DDD]

destructive means it becomes raster. When you add a gradient fill you still are able to edit paths. I am not sure I follow you on what you are trying to do. AI does nto have layer styles if that is your question. But you can move your paths into PS with no problem (thanks Soulty).

[AgentFitz]

oh, hmm I coulda sworn non-destructive was when u didn't hafta convert to raster...but it's all good.

anyway, I probably made that question a bit more complicated than it needed to be....all I'm asking is how to add a gradient to type

thanks so much

[DDD]

yea mistyped......All you have to do is select the object then select your gradient tool. CLick and then drag. Press f1 for more help on that.

[AgentFitz]

I tried what you suggested and it didn't work for me. when I select a normal object....such as a square, or ellipse....and use the gradient tool it works fine. but when I select text and try to use the gradient tool it doesn't work for me, the color of the text does not change at all.....however, I did convert the text to an object using the "create outlines" function and then I could add the gradient.....however if I do that then I can't edit the text later...you know, type something else.

I also checked the built in illustrator help and couldn't find any answers there....is my copy of illustrator (CS) just acting crazy or what?? sorry I'm being such a pain in the a** but I'm just fiending to figure this out. :-/

thanks for your efforts DDD, I really appreciate it...

[DDD]

I read your first post wrong..sorry.

hey man I just stumbled across something. Make your text. Then select the text object with the selection tool (black arrow). Now in the appearance pallette. Click the arrow at the top right corner and select "new fill". Upon doing that you will see a new character/fill layer. Apply a gradient from the gradient swatches pallette. Then you have your gradient applied to edittable text. Just was messing around and did it..lol

[AgentFitz]

oh snizap! you're the man playa...good looking out, that's exactly what I wanted to be able to do.

much props, and until next time

- Fitz

[DDD]

glad I helped....learned something my d@mn self...lol

[.soulty]

lol, the appearance pallette is probably the most unused new feature of illustrator, you can do quite a bit with it. (eg.. you can move a stroke behind a fill)