gradient meshes,,,, i'm sure this has been covered before

i keep seeing some really great gradient mesh files being accepted,,,, i thought we couldn't do gradient meshes because they didn't work with other vector software, so how do you go about getting a gradient mesh based vector approved?

Meshes work in AI8, which is how we built our original standards, so we do approve them. However, you should definitely put something in your image description letting non-AI users know the file may not work (though they can use the JPEG that comes with the download if they're determined to use the file)

Meshes rock... Wish I could make 'em!

sweet, all this time ive thought that i couldn't use them, i also thought that i couldn't use radial gradients for awhile,,,, turns out ive been making stuff up and then believing it or something

radial meshes make a file unusable in most non-illustrator apps. Radial gradients don't translate well to freehand, but the overall image does. So as a FH user, I won't buy anything with gradient meshes, but radial gradients are ok (i'll just redo the gradient myself)

Love your portfolio K! I've purchased and used many of your files but I had no idea it was created in Freehand or that there were even still diehard Freehand users out there. I hate to say it but now that Adobe owns Freehand I can't help but think its days are numbered. Too bad. That merger was bad news in many ways.


I avoide buying files with mesh gradients for other reasons. I often change the colors of vectors that I buy so that I can more closley match whatever color palette I'm using on a given project. Changing complicated mesh gradients is a time consuming pain in the arse. IMHO

(Edited on 2008-02-21 11:51:04 by dsafanda)

I just have to stop in here to say that I'm completely in love with gradient meshes and have been since I first got AI 8 many many years ago. oops, maybe this belongs in the confessions thread


dsafanda, you can use the "adjust color balance' under the edit heading but it doesn't always give satisfactory results, I will admit.

Thanks for the tip Diane . The truth is I probably just haven't given meshes enough of a chance and don't know enough about the technique.

I adore them...they are time consuming, though, and difficult to edit. But the shading of them is so natural it's delightful. I'm starting to like blends more, but sometimes they trip me out!

It would be nice customer service to require disclosing your use of gradient mesh / radial gradients.

For sure. The more you can tell the customer about your file, the better. Don't be afraid to mention the color space, any special effects used, or even whether or not you've grouped and layered the file nicely: Designers appreciate it!

(Edited on 2008-02-21 17:10:27 by bortonia)

On this same sort of subject (it's a bit of a stretch I suppose )is there a place on iStock for illustrations created with all these fun effects as rasters? I had heard recently that if an image looks like it could pass for a vector illo it will be turned down, but I'm wondering if there is a line somewhere where an image is nearly a painting, (or perhaps it is a simulated painting) that it would be acceptable to upload as a raster?

I recently discovered Xara Xtreme and I can do things in there that would take me years in Illustrator or Painter but most of the effects won't pass inspection.

(Edited on 2008-02-21 17:16:12 by 9Lives)

this is exciting, i cant wait to have an excuse to use a gradient mesh in something


ive avoided them for so long i dont even know where i would put them now