To apply a single gradient across multiple objects in Adobe Illustrator, you need to create a compound path rather than simply grouping them.
Why Grouping Doesn't Work
As explained in the provided YouTube video ([Part of a video titled Apply A Gradient Across Multiple Objects In Illustrator - YouTube]), simply grouping objects will not apply a single gradient across them. Grouping keeps objects as individual entities and therefore, the gradient will be applied to each object separately instead of treating them as one continuous shape.
How to Create a Compound Path
Here are the steps to create a compound path so a gradient can span across multiple objects:
- Select the Objects: Use the selection tool to select all the objects you want the gradient to cover.
- Make a Compound Path: Go to Object in the top menu, then select Compound Path, and finally click Make. You can also achieve this using the shortcut keys Command + 8 (on Mac) or Ctrl + 8 (on Windows).
How a Compound Path Works
A compound path essentially combines multiple paths into a single shape. This allows Illustrator to apply a gradient as if the objects were a single unit, which spans the overall shape of all the selected objects.
Example
Imagine you have three separate circles that you want to apply a gradient across. Simply selecting them and applying the gradient would result in each circle having its own gradient application. However, if you follow the steps for creating a compound path, a single gradient is applied to all three circles as if they were a continuous shape.
Key Takeaway
- Grouping does not work for applying a gradient across multiple objects.
- You must create a compound path to treat multiple objects as a single continuous shape for gradient purposes.
