The provided reference doesn't explicitly detail inverting a radial gradient. However, the most straightforward way to effectively "invert" a radial gradient in Adobe Illustrator is by adjusting the color stops within the Gradient panel. Here's how:
Steps:
- Select the Object: Select the object with the radial gradient you want to invert.
- Open the Gradient Panel: Go to Window > Gradient to open the Gradient panel.
- Reverse the Color Stops: In the Gradient panel, locate the color stops on the gradient slider. Select the color stops on either side of the slider, and switch their positions. For example, if the gradient went from red to blue, it will now go from blue to red. This reverses the direction of the gradient.
- Adjust Color Stops (If Needed): Depending on your desired effect, you may need to adjust the position of the color stops along the gradient slider to refine the inverted gradient. You can also add or remove color stops.
- Edit the Gradient with the Gradient Tool (Optional): Use the Gradient Tool (G) from the toolbar to adjust the center and spread of the radial gradient directly on the object. This lets you visually fine-tune the "inverted" effect. You can essentially move the start and end points.
Explanation:
True inversion, as in a negative image, isn't a direct function for gradients in Illustrator. Instead, swapping the positions of the colors at either end of the gradient gives the effect of an inversion because the color that was at the center is now at the edge, and vice-versa. The closer to one end of the gradient a color stop is placed, the tighter the respective color will be concentrated, and the less it will be concentrated near the opposite color. This swapping will invert which color is most concentrated on the shape.
Example:
Let's say you have a radial gradient that goes from dark blue in the center to light blue on the edges. To "invert" it, you would swap the dark blue and light blue color stops. Now, you will have light blue in the center and dark blue on the edges.
Additional Tips:
- Experiment with different color combinations to find the most visually appealing "inverted" gradient.
- Consider using more than two color stops for a more complex and interesting gradient effect.
- Save your gradient swatches for future use.
