One of the reasons Adobe Illustrator is such a great program is that it is able to take advantage of its opacity masks to create gradients with transparency (new feature in CS4). This allows the user to utilize the gradient tool, while changing the color from a solid one to a transparent one. What this does is give the user full control over the gradients, as the colors will not hinder the individual’s vision. This is vital for extremely complex gradients, as everything must be visible in order for the picture to come out looking the way that it was meant to look.
In many programs, graphics can only be seen in color and opacity. This makes it very difficult to visualize the final product because you cannot work on the graphic in color, since you will not be able to see what you are doing. Therefore, you will be forced to work on the project in opacity mode and then stop when you want to see it in color. With Adobe Illustrator, however, you can use the transparency tool to work on your graphic in color, while still being able to see the other tools that you are using, which is a great tool to have. The majority of other programs do not have this advantage, which is why Adobe Illustrator is a step above everyone else in this industry.
The first type of gradient that you can use with transparency is single-color, which is a simple transition from solid color to transparent. You will start by selecting a solid color that you want to use in the gradient. This can be any color you desire and can be changed throughout the process. You can then go to the transparency menu and select whichever option you desire. There are a few different options to choose from, depending on the type of graphic you are creating and how much detail you wish to go into. There are a few different things to consider here, so make sure that you are aware of what type of graphic you are creating and how much more work will have to go into it.
Once you have the transparency tool for Adobe Illustrator mastered, you will find that your graphics will be easier to create than ever before. This is one of the top tools on the market and is completely changing the way that people use their computers to create these graphics. This program will allow you to create some of the most professional looking graphics on the market, which can definitely help if you are creating a project for work or school. No matter why you are creating these graphics, you can rest easy with the knowledge that Adobe Illustrator will make it as easy as possible for you.
Make your designs stand out without taking forever to create them when you know HOW to use the right tools effectively. Learn more about the Adobe CS5 Creative Suite and Adobe Illustrator classes.
