Need an easy way to figure out gradient angle...

**nsyrax** · 02 August 2013, 08:37 PM

When creating an object that is angled and I want to fill it with a gradient that matched the slant, is there an easy way to figure it out other than changing the angle incrementally? Below is an example of what I'm talking about. Thanks!

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**gwpriester** · 02 August 2013, 09:21 PM

Welcome to TalkGraphics

The way I do it is to create a parallel line the same angle as the slant, then rotate the line 90 degrees and create my Linear fill using the rotated line as a guide.

**steve.ledger** · 02 August 2013, 09:29 PM

Can you not start with a vertical shape and gradient (hold ctrl while creating the linear gradient to constrain) then rotate the result and slice (trim) the top and bottom?
In this way, the gradient fill will follow any angle. Easiest way I can think of

**mwenz** · 02 August 2013, 11:01 PM

I have used Gary's method many times as it works on art after the fact (placed, rotated, etc.) when I want to add such an effect to something.

**nsyrax** · 02 August 2013, 11:38 PM

I wish I had the actual item I'm working on, but it's at work. But below is a similar scenerio. Several pieces, several angles, and I'm trying for a 3D look with gradient shading. I hope this makes sense. If not, I'll post it on Monday. Thanks for all the help so far!!

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**gwpriester** · 03 August 2013, 12:56 AM

Oops! I just realized, that we are all Xara users responding to an Illustrator-based question.

Never mind.

**steve.ledger** · 03 August 2013, 01:13 AM

Indeed... Not the first time I've done it either

**Big Frank** · 03 August 2013, 02:05 AM

clearly the answer is to switch to xara

**steve.ledger** · 03 August 2013, 02:12 AM

Absolutely, become a Xara user and you'll have no end of prompt help..

**mwenz** · 03 August 2013, 02:56 AM

Originally Posted by gwpriester

Oops! I just realized, that we are all Xara users responding to an Illustrator-based question.

Never mind.

Yes, but some of us use AI as well...

Xara's gradient tool is superior to use over AI's. Far faster, less fiddly. The method you show is as fast a means for the simple shape that the OP showed regardless of the two applications. At least for adding gradients to an angle.

I spent a few hours this afternoon making sample files for people on another forum...I'll await the OP's file to play with rather than reinvent the wheel.

Mike