A clean way to remove gradient mesh in Illustrator?

Question

Does anyone know if it is possible to remove a gradient mesh from an object in Illustrator without producing a distorted/inaccurate outline? Adobe documentation as well as most online resources I found only suggest using `Object > Path > Offset Path...` (with offset set to `0px`), however I find that for any object I try this on, the resulting outline does not precisely align with the object I start with.

Answer 1

Hello,

I find that more subtle and blended gradients can be achieved by using the Blend Tool, rather than the gradient tool.

It is a lengthier process but in my opinion it makes better results.

For example, you want to create a gradient that shows the subtle change in color between a bright red of an apple and the highlight on the top side of it (we will keep this simple, without further colors in between).

step 1: draw your apple and fill it with red, no stroke.

step 2: draw the shape of your highlight and place it on the apple, where the light would hit it.

step 3: color the highlight in white.

step 4: select both shapes (apple and highlight).

step 5: pick the blend tool on the main tool palette on the left (quick key: W)

step 6: on the blending option window that appears, choose "smooth color" under "spacing", with the orientation you prefer (you can experiment with the 2 types of orientations). Click OK

step 7: with your blending cursor, click first on a point of the apple, then click on a corresponding point on the highlight shape. Illustrator will create transitional shades to unite the two shapes, so you will not see the stark delineations of color between the two.

If you do this with the gradient tool you will obtain straight demarcations of blending, but with the blend tool you will see the blending following the shape itself. It is a lot more natural.