Flash 8 Cookbook

1.27. Applying Preset and Custom Gradients

Problem

You want to create a gradient.

Solution

Choose one of the gradient presets or mix a custom gradient using the Color Mixer panel.

Discussion

Gradients are a powerful and flexible graphic effect used in a variety of different ways, including pseudo-3D effects, mask effects, and more. You can apply one of Flash’s preset gradients or mix your own.

Flash gradients come in two varieties: linear and radial. Every gradient contains a spectrum of colors. A linear gradient plots the spectrum across a fill in a simple left-to-right manner; the left side of the shape is mapped to the left side of the gradient spectrum, and the right side of the shape is mapped to the right side of the gradient spectrum. Colors are stretched or squeezed, as necessary, to fill the shape. A radial gradient, in contrast, plots the spectrum in a circular pattern, from the center of a shape (the left side of the gradient spectrum) to its outer edge (the right side of the gradient spectrum).

With the default color swatches active (see Recipe 1.26 to restore the default color palette), you can access Flash’s preset gradients from the bottom of the color pop up, which appears whenever you click the Fill color box in the Tools panel or the Property inspector. To apply a gradient fill, select any closed line or shape or activate any shape tool that can add a fill (such as the Oval and Rectangle tools), and choose the desired gradient from the color pop up.

Gradients could previously ...