Illustrator Notes 3: Using the blend tool

The blend tool is a handy tool to combine two or more shapes into either a more refined gradient blend or a repeated hose for things like arms and legs.

Creating custom blends and gradients

So far you have only been able to make blends using the gradient tool to have a little more control you can use the blends tool.

1. Make a shape you want to have a gradient on.
2. Create the shape of the highlight. Make sure this shape is on top of the other shape.
3. Select all of the objects you wish to blend.
4. Select the Blend tool or press W .
5. Click on the shapes you want to blend.

Creating repeating shapes

1. Select 2 or more shapes you want to connect.
2. Double click the blend tool icon.
3. In the window that pops up change the Spacing from Smooth Color to Specified Steps.
4. Try different numbers to get the right amount of steps between each shape.

Modifying and moving blends

1. Double click on the shape you want to move until just it is highlighted in Isolation mode.
2. Move the shape.
3. Leave isolation mode.