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Many contributors of microstock websites faced a problem when an elliptical gradient breaks into a lot of objects, and even converts into a raster image when saving the file in the eps8 and eps10 format. Today we'll talk about how to avoid such unpleasant consequences.
Starting with the release of CS4 Adobe Illustrator has obtained elliptical gradient feature which can undoubtedly expand our opportunities when creating vector graphics. However the contributors of microstock websites prefer not to use the elliptical radial gradients, because after saving in eps format objects with such gradients are more likely to break up into scores of vector objects located in the Clipping group. I do not think that the microstock inspectors and moreover the customers will be pleased to see such a vector file. The only solution that I still know is as follows: you need to create a circle with a radial gradient fill, and then deform it into an ellipse. In this case, radial gradient is transformed into an elliptical one. Only the gradient obtained through this method, without any problems will be saved in the format of eps8 and eps10. Here I would like to mention that there is no other solution for the format eps8, but for eps10 we do have many other options, and this is what we will talk about right now. I carried out dozens of experiments and came to the conclusion that YOU CAN:
1. Change the ratio of the axes of radial gradient with help of the Gradient Annotator or in the Gradient panel. 2. Move the center of an elliptical gradient as you see fit. 3. Create an eccentric radial and elliptical gradient. All these types of gradient fills will be saved as eps10 format. I made sure that the complexity of the object to which the elliptical gradient is applied does not matter. It may also be applied to the Compound Path and even to groups of several objects.
You Should NOT:
1. Change the angle of an elliptical gradient. That means that the gradient which angle is different from zero most likely will break into a group of objects, or even turn into a raster image. This statement also applies to the angles of 90 and 180 degrees. Are there exceptions in this rule? Yes, sometimes inclined elliptical gradients are normally saved in eps10 format, but it happens extremely rare. 2. Use transparent sliders for elliptical gradients, which are obtained by changing the axes with the help of the Gradient Annotator or in the Gradient panel. 3. Use opacity mask from elliptical gradients, which are also obtained using the Gradient Annotator or in the Gradient panel.
The gradients obtained by the methods described in paragraphs 2 and 3 are transformed into raster images. However, the limits specified in those paragraphs do not apply to elliptical gradients, which are obtained through deformation of the object. What should we do if we still need to apply inclined elliptical gradient to the object?
Let's put it this way:
1. Create an object with a radial gradient fill, and then deform it into an ellipse. 2. Rotate the entire object at the necessary angle. 3. Limit the visibility of an object with a gradient fill with the help of the Clipping Mask. The shape of the clipping path corresponds to the object to which you initially wanted to apply inclined elliptical gradient. Dear friends, please, be critical to the conclusions of my experiments. Only practice can show whether I am right or not. In the meantime, I will advise you checking all your EPS files, in case you used elliptical gradients.
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