How to make same gradient on two paths under and above specific shape?

Question

How to make the same gradient on two paths under and above a specific shape?

Layer structure:

• the first layer contains the first path above
• group with circle and some stroke layers
• behind layer that contains the second part behind a circle

The issue is - I have a gradient on the front path and in the behind layer I choose a similar color and fill this out with it. In a result there is small issue with colors. Because paths were split I've got an issue after I export it to SVG like this:

Do you have any advice on how to do it? I tried to make a group and choose a gradient for the group but it's not possible because as a result, my circle will be behind or above a specific group.

Answer 1

Do not split the gradient path. Hide a part of it with a clipping or opacity mask.An example:

The ring is the top layer. The black piece is inserted and used to hide a part of the ring as inverted clipping mask.

The perfectly fitting mask path can be got with pathfinder subtraction from the copy of the mid-shape.

Answer 2

You could use a Clipping Mask...

Draw an extra path around what you want to show on top.

Select this extra path and the shape you want on top and choose Object > Clipping Mask > Make from the menu

The tricky part is you need this clipping path to align with the shape underneath.. so that generally means zooming in and carefully positioning the path.