TUTORIAL ARTICLE

Beginner

4 min

Add rich, colorful gradients to flat artwork

Explore Linear, Radial, and Freeform gradients to add color and style to your artwork in Illustrator.

What you’ll need

This sample file is an Adobe Stock asset you can use to practice what you learn in this tutorial. If you want to use the sample file beyond this tutorial, you can purchase a license onAdobe Stock . Check out the ReadMe file in the folder for the terms that apply to your use of this sample file.

What you’ll learn

Explore gradient types

See how each gradient type — Linear, Radial, and Freeform — transforms the artwork, adding visual interest and depth.

Customize colors and placement

Adjust color stops, opacity, and angles. Use the Gradient tool to precisely control where and how colors blend.

Save and reuse gradients

Save your favorite gradients to the Swatches panel or explore Illustrator’s gradient libraries for inspiration.


Instruction by

Kaleb Gonyea

Design by

Kaleb Gonyea

Adobe Stock Contributor

Moleng24

August 20, 2025

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