Adding highlights in Adobe Illustrator can be achieved using various techniques. Here's one method to add a highlight color, along with some alternative approaches.
Method 1: Adding Highlight Color to Text (Based on Designious.com)
This method focuses on adding a highlight effect, similar to highlighting text with a marker.
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Add New Fill: Select your text object. In the Appearance panel, click the "Add New Fill" icon twice. You should now have three fills.
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Convert to Shape (for the lower Fill): Select the lower fill. Apply the "Convert to Shape" effect. You can find this under Effect > Convert to Shape > Rectangle.
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Adjust Rectangle Options: In the Rectangle options, experiment with the Extra Width and Extra Height values. These values determine the size of the highlight around the text. The Radius controls the roundness of the corners. Adjust to your preference.
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Choose Highlight Color: Change the fill color of the converted shape (the lower fill) to your desired highlight color (e.g., bright green, yellow, or pink).
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Adjust Text Color (Optional): Select the top fill (one of the original fills from step 1) and change that color as needed to create the desired contrast with your highlight.
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Save as Graphic Style (Optional): Open the Graphic Styles panel (Window > Graphic Styles). Add your newly created style to the panel by dragging the highlighted text to the panel. You can then easily apply this style to other text elements.
Method 2: Creating Realistic Highlights with Gradients and Blending Modes
This method creates more visually realistic highlights using gradients and blending modes. This is more suitable for adding highlights to illustrations or objects.
- Draw a Shape: Draw a shape where you want to add the highlight. This could be a simple rectangle, ellipse, or a more custom shape.
- Apply a Gradient: Fill the shape with a gradient. Typically, you'll use a linear or radial gradient going from a lighter version of the object's color to a slightly darker version.
- Adjust Gradient Stops: Fine-tune the gradient stops to control the position and intensity of the highlight. You can add multiple color stops to create more complex highlights.
- Blending Mode: In the Transparency panel (Window > Transparency), experiment with different blending modes such as "Screen," "Overlay," or "Soft Light." These blending modes allow the highlight to interact with the underlying colors, creating a more realistic effect. Adjust the opacity as needed.
- Position and Size: Position and resize the highlight shape to achieve the desired look.
Method 3: Using the Pen Tool and Transparency
- Draw Highlight Shape: Use the Pen tool to draw a custom shape representing the highlight. This allows for precise control over the highlight's form.
- Fill and Feather: Fill the shape with white or a light color. You can add a slight feather effect (Effect > Stylize > Feather) to soften the edges of the highlight.
- Adjust Transparency: Use the Transparency panel to adjust the opacity of the highlight shape. Experiment with blending modes like "Screen" or "Overlay" to achieve the desired effect.
By combining these methods and experimenting with different settings, you can achieve a wide range of highlight effects in Adobe Illustrator.
