GRAPHICS – Creating Gradients

[ADVANCED] Have you ever wished you could create a sophisticated graphic background that had a sliding color look? You know, where it’s dark at the top and gradually gets lighter? This type of treatment is often subtle, but presents a powerful impression of class . . . of advanced professionalism.

Example of a Gradient Bar:

Once you learn the two “secrets” to creating a gradient effect, you’ll find many opportunities to dress up your banners, flyers and web pages. It’s that simple.

What are the secrets? The first is that you start with a Text Box. The second is that you choose two colors – and make them the same color: one light, one dark.

NOTE: We’re going to show you how to create a gradient effect in Word. You can apply the same concepts to other software such as PowerPoint.

How to Create A Gradient Effect

While this first section describes the process in Word 2007, read through these directions as there will be some concepts you want to learn. Then when you proceed to the steps for Word 2003 and earlier versions, it will be easier.

Gradient Steps in Word 2007

• Insert text box (if you want a plain, ordinary box, choose Draw Text Box)
• Click on the Format menu (It only shows if you have the text box highlighted.)
• In the collection of icons titled Text Box Styles . . .
• Choose any color (Don’t worry what the color is; just selecting one will make it easier to choose the gradient style. You’ll change the color later in the process.)
• Select Shape Fill
• Choose Gradient

Now you will see your typical choices in a preset combination of “light to dark” gradients by holding your mouse over the selection. Because you selected a color for the text box, you will see what it would look like with each type of treatment.

When you hover over a choice with your mouse, you will also catch the title such as Linear Left or From Corner.

TIP: The second choice in the top row (best to use the light group) is a popular style called Linear Down. This starts with a dark horizontal strip at the top and gradually becomes lighter as it moves down. Here’s an example:

If you want a telescopic look, with the lightest area is in the center, choose the second one in the second row of the dark choices, titled From Center.

You can do a lot with these two concepts. Once you get the hang of it you will get fancier and even more sophisticated by using the gradient bells and whistles.

TIP: If you want a gradient treatment in something other than Word, such as PowerPoint or a web page, you may want to create it in Word and capture it as an image with SnagIt or similar type of software. CAUTION: Save in a .png file type so the image is not pixelated.

Gradient Steps in Word 2003 and 2002

• Insert text box
• Click on the Format menu; choose Text Box
• Choose the tab Colors and Lines
• In the section titled Fill, click on the down arrow next to the color
• Choose Fill Effects
• Select the Gradient tab. For learning purposes, make these selections:
• Choose Two Color
• Color One: Dark blue
• Color Two: Light blue
• Shading Styles: Vertical
• Now you can click on any one of the four variants – ways for the color to spread

In these earlier versions of Word, you have to say OK to see how the treatment affects your text box. TIP: Depending upon the colors you choose, you may want to go into the Text Box Format and take off the outer border.