\<bookmark_value\>gradients; applying and defining\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>editing;gradients\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>defining;gradients\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>applying;gradients\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>custom gradients\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>transparency;adjusting\</bookmark_value\>

Creating Gradient Fills

A gradient fill is an incremental blend of two different colors, or shades of the same color, that you can apply to a drawing object.

To apply a gradient:

1. Select a drawing object.

2. Choose \<emph\>Format - Area\</emph\> and select \<emph\>Gradient\</emph\> as the \<emph\>Fill\</emph\> type.

3. Select a gradient style from the list and click \<emph\>OK\</emph\>.

Creating Custom Gradients

You can define your own gradients and modify existing gradients, as well as save and load a list of gradient files.

To create a custom gradient:

1. Choose \<emph\>Format - Area\</emph\> and click the \<emph\>Gradients\</emph\> tab.

2. Select a gradient from the list to use as the basis for your new gradient and click \<emph\>Add\</emph\>.

3. Type a name for the gradient in the text box and click \<emph\>OK\</emph\>.

   The name appears at the end of the gradient list and is selected for editing.

4. Set the gradient properties and click \<emph\>Modify\</emph\> to save the gradient.

5. Click \<emph\>OK.\</emph\>

Using Gradients and Transparency

You can adjust the properties of a gradient as well as the transparency of a drawing object with your mouse.

To adjust the gradient of a drawing object:

1. Select a drawing object with the gradient that you want to modify.

2. Choose \<emph\>Format - Area\</emph\> and click the \<emph\>Gradients\</emph\> tab.

3. Adjust the values for the gradient to suit your needs and click \<emph\>Ok\</emph\>.