InDesign

Create a gradient swatch

You can create, name, and edit gradients using the same Swatches panel you use to work with solid colors and tints. You can also create unnamed gradients using the Gradient panel.

  1. Choose New Gradient Swatch in the Swatches panel menu.
  2. For Swatch Name, type a name for the gradient.
  3. For Type, choose Linear or Radial.
  4. Select the first color stop in the gradient.
    First color stop

  5. For Stop Color, do one of the following:

    • To choose a color that’s already in the Swatches panel, choose Swatches, and select a color from the list.

    • To mix a new unnamed color for the gradient, choose a color mode, and enter color values or drag the sliders.

      Note: By default, the first stop of the gradient is set to white. To make it transparent, apply the Paper swatch.
  6. To change the last color in the gradient, select the last color stop, and repeat step 5.
  7. To adjust the position of gradient colors, do one of the following:

    • Drag the color stops located under the bar.

    • Select a color stop under the bar, and enter a Location value to set the position of that color. This position represents the percentage of distance between the previous color and the next color.

  8. To adjust the midpoint between two gradient colors (the point at which the colors are at 50%), do one of the following:

    • Drag the diamond icon located above the bar.

    • Select the diamond icon above the bar, and enter a Location value to set the position of that color. This position represents the percentage of distance between the previous color and the next color.

  9. Click OK or Add. The gradient is stored in the Swatches panel with its name.