How to Edit Gradient Mesh in Illustrator?

Editing a gradient mesh in Illustrator involves modifying the points, lines, and colors of an existing mesh object to refine its shape and smooth color transitions. The primary tool for this is the **Mesh Tool (U)**, often used in conjunction with the **Direct Selection Tool (A)**.

Once a gradient mesh object has been created (which you can do by **selecting the object and going to Object > Create Gradient Mesh** or by using the **Mesh Tool (U) to click on the object and add mesh points manually** as mentioned in the reference), you can begin editing.

## Key Tools for Editing Gradient Mesh

The two essential tools for working with gradient meshes are:

*   **Mesh Tool (U):** Used to add new mesh points and lines, and to select and move existing points.
*   **Direct Selection Tool (A):** Primarily used to select existing mesh points and anchor points on the object's outline, allowing you to move them or adjust their direction handles.

## Editing Mesh Points and Lines

Here's how you typically edit a gradient mesh:

1.  **Select the Mesh Object:** Ensure the gradient mesh object is selected using the Selection Tool (V).
2.  **Add New Mesh Points:**
    *   Select the **Mesh Tool (U)**.
    *   Click anywhere *within* the mesh object. Illustrator will add new mesh lines (rows and columns) intersecting at that point, creating new mesh patches.
3.  **Select Existing Mesh Points:**
    *   Use the **Mesh Tool (U)** to click directly on a mesh point.
    *   Use the **Direct Selection Tool (A)** to click directly on a mesh point or drag a marquee selection around multiple points. You can also Shift-click with either tool to select multiple points.
4.  **Move Mesh Points:**
    *   With the **Mesh Tool (U)** or **Direct Selection Tool (A)**, click and drag a selected mesh point to reposition it. This distorts the mesh grid and affects the shape and color distribution.
5.  **Adjust Mesh Lines:**
    *   Selected mesh points have direction handles (similar to path segments). Use the **Direct Selection Tool (A)** to click and drag these handles to curve the mesh lines, further controlling the shape and flow of the gradient.
6.  **Delete Mesh Points:**
    *   Select the **Mesh Tool (U)**.
    *   Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) on an existing mesh point. This will remove the selected point and its associated mesh lines.

## Changing Colors of Mesh Points

Color is applied to the mesh points, and the gradient smoothly blends between the colors of adjacent points.

1.  **Select the Mesh Point(s):** Use the **Mesh Tool (U)** or **Direct Selection Tool (A)** to select one or more mesh points.
2.  **Apply Color:**
    *   Select a color from the Swatches panel, Color panel, or Control panel.
    *   Use the **Eyedropper Tool (I)** to sample a color from anywhere on the artboard and apply it to the selected mesh points.

## Summary of Editing Actions

Here's a quick overview of common editing tasks:

| Action                     | Tool Used                 | How To                                                |
| :------------------------- | :------------------------ | :---------------------------------------------------- |
| Add Mesh Point/Lines       | Mesh Tool (U)             | Click inside the mesh object                          |
| Select Points              | Mesh Tool (U) or Direct Selection Tool (A) | Click on points; Drag marquee with Direct Selection |
| Move Points/Distort Mesh   | Mesh Tool (U) or Direct Selection Tool (A) | Click and drag selected points                        |
| Adjust Mesh Line Curvature | Direct Selection Tool (A) | Click and drag direction handles                      |
| Delete Mesh Point          | Mesh Tool (U)             | Alt+Click (Win) / Option+Click (Mac) on point         |
| Change Point Color         | Any Selection Tool + Swatches/Color Panel/Eyedropper Tool (I) | Select point(s), then apply color/sample color        |

By manipulating the mesh points and their colors, you can sculpt light, shadow, and complex color blends on vector objects, creating realistic or stylized artwork.