Select the object with the gradient using the Selection tool or the Direct Selection tool.
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to use the Gradient panel and Gradient tools to customize gradient colors, directions, and transitions in Adobe InDesign.
Use gradients to create smooth color transitions in objects and text. After applying a gradient, adjust its colors, transition points, and direction to refine the result. For consistent print output, use CMYK colors when creating or editing gradients.
Adjust gradient colors and transitions
Open the Gradient panel (Window > Color > Gradient).
Select the color stop under the gradient bar to modify.
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches), then select a color from your document swatches.
Add an intermediate color by selecting below the gradient bar to create a new color stop, then define its color. You can also drag swatches directly from the Swatches panel onto the gradient bar to create new color stops instantly.
Drag color stops to adjust positions or enter a value in the Location field.
Adjust the transition midpoint between two colors by dragging the diamond icon above the bar or entering a percentage in the Location field.
Remove a color stop by dragging it away from the gradient bar.
Change the gradient direction and span
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Select the Fill icon or the Stroke icon, depending on where the original gradient was applied.
Select the Gradient Swatch tool or Gradient Feather tool and position it at the place where you want to define the beginning point of the gradient.
Drag across the object in the direction you want the gradient to flow. Press and hold Shift to constrain the angle to 45-degree increments. Dragging the Gradient Feather tool across the gradient progressively softens the colors in the area you drag.
Release the mouse button at the point where you want the gradient to end. The gradient adjusts to span the distance you dragged. Shorter drags create more compressed color transitions, while longer drags create more gradual transitions.
Apply a gradient across multiple objects
Select all objects that should share the continuous gradient using the Selectiontool or the Direct Selection tool.
Verify that all selected objects already have a gradient applied.
Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches).
Select the Fill tool. You can also select it from the toolbox.
Select the Gradient Swatch tool and drag across all selected objects in one motion. The gradient now flows continuously across all selected objects as if they were a single shape.
Reverse gradient color progression
Open the Gradient panel (Window > Color > Gradient).
Activate a gradient.
Select the Reverse Gradient tool. The gradient's starting and ending colors swap positions, along with all intermediate color stops.
Modify gradient type
Select the object with the gradient you want to change.
Open the Gradient panel (Window > Color > Gradient).
Choose Linear or Radial from the Type drop-down menu. Linear gradients transition in a straight line, while radial gradients radiate outward from a center point.
If needed, use the Gradient Swatch tool to adjust the gradient's direction or center point.
Linear gradients transition in a straight line, while radial gradients radiate outward from a center point.
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