TechNote (Archived)

Applying a gradient fill to text

Users sometimes wish to give text a gradient fill. This effect can be accomplished in FreeHand - after making a clone of the text and converting the cloned text to paths. Before converting the text to paths, however, it is best to save the original text for future editing. The steps below will walk you through this relatively easy process:

Applying a graduated fill to paths created from text

1	Creating the text Open the file which will contain the gradient text. If necessary, create and select the text block which will be filled with a gradient.

2	Creating a clone to receive the fill Select the text block (making sure nothing else is selected), and then choose Edit > Clone. This makes an exact duplicate of the text block. The duplicate will be located at the same X and Y coordinates. The original text block will be preserved and the duplicate will be converted to paths and given the gradient fill.
3	Preserving the original for future editing The original text can be "stored" on a hidden layer in case you want to change the text and refill it later. With the cloned text block still selected, create a new layer by activating the Options pop-up menu on the Layers panel (click the triangle in the upper right corner of the panel) and selecting New.

4	Double-click the new layer's name, type Real text (for instance), then press Enter (or return for Macintosh). This process moves the selected cloned text block to the new layer. The name of the layer will help you identify the text later on.

5	Drag the Real text layer below the Foreground layer (as well as any other layers that have been created). Click the checkmark to the left of the Real text layer's name to hide it. Note:There is now a backup copy of the text in the same location as the original, but on a hidden layer.

6	Converting the cloned text block to paths Select the remaining text block, and choose Text > Convert to paths. This turns what was editable text into a group of vector paths.

7	Filling the paths with a gradient fill Click the Fill tab of the Inspector, and select Gradient from the Fill pop-up menu. By default, the gradient fill applied to the group will be linear, using black to white. You can make changes to the gradient. In the example below, a 10% black has been placed on each end, and 100% default black near the center.

8	As necessary, change the colors, the type of gradient, the Taper, and the angle of the fill to suit your design needs.

	Note:Remember that what is being filled is a group of paths;not editable text. Should the text need to be edited, make the Real text layer visible and use the text block on that layer. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to apply the Gradient fill to the new group of paths.