How to Change the Stroke Gradient in Illustrator?

To change the stroke gradient in Illustrator, you primarily use the Gradient panel after selecting the object.

Here is a breakdown of the process:

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying and Modifying a Stroke Gradient

Applying or changing a gradient on a stroke requires targeting the stroke specifically before interacting with the gradient controls.

1. Select the Object: First, select the shape or path that has the stroke you want to change using the Selection Tool (V).
2. Open the Gradient Panel: If it's not already open, go to Window > Gradient to reveal the Gradient panel.
3. Target the Stroke: This is a crucial step for strokes. You need to tell Illustrator you want to apply the gradient to the stroke, not the fill. You can do this in several ways:
   • Click on the Stroke swatch in the Tools panel.
   • Click on the Stroke swatch in the Color panel.
   • Click on the Stroke option within the Appearance panel (Window > Appearance).
   • In the Gradient panel itself, you can also click the Stroke icon to bring the stroke to the foreground, indicating it's the active target. The reference snippet highlights the importance of having the target (fill in that specific example, stroke in this case) "forward" or active.
4. Apply or Change the Gradient: Once the stroke is targeted:
   • Click on a gradient swatch in the Swatches panel (Window > Swatches) or the Gradient panel itself. This applies the selected gradient to the targeted stroke.
   • Alternatively, click the default gradient bar within the Gradient panel to apply a basic white-to-black linear gradient.
   • As noted in the reference, after ensuring the stroke is active (instead of the fill), you "can click on the gradient" within the panel or from swatches to apply it.
5. Modify the Gradient: With the gradient applied, use the controls in the Gradient panel to adjust its appearance along the stroke:
   • Type: Choose between Linear, Radial, or Freeform gradients. (Note: Freeform gradients are generally for fills).
   • Angle: Change the direction of a Linear gradient.
   • Location: For Radial gradients, adjust the aspect ratio.
   • Gradient Slider: Add, remove, move, and change the color stops to customize the gradient's color transitions.
   • Apply Gradient Along Stroke / Within Stroke / Across Stroke: These options (accessible from the Gradient panel menu or sometimes buttons depending on the Illustrator version) determine how the gradient is distributed along the stroke's path.

Gradient Application Methods for Strokes

Illustrator offers specific ways to apply gradients to strokes, affecting how the colors flow along the path:

• Apply Gradient Along Stroke: The gradient follows the path of the stroke.
• Apply Gradient Across Stroke: The gradient runs perpendicular to the stroke path.
• Apply Gradient Within Stroke: The gradient is applied from one side of the stroke to the other (useful for creating a 3D or beveled effect).

By selecting the object, activating the stroke target, and using the Gradient panel as demonstrated in principles like those described in the reference (selecting the target and clicking the gradient), you can effectively apply and modify stroke gradients in Illustrator.