I have a rounded square with some stroke. I want some inner color.
Similar to this. How can I achieve that effect in illustrator?
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Sign up to join this communityI have a rounded square with some stroke. I want some inner color.
Similar to this. How can I achieve that effect in illustrator?
Select Object
Go to Effect
> Stylize
> Inner Glow
Choose black color and adjust the opacity
and blur
to your liking (make sure to change color mode to normal
! default is screen
)
Rasterize the the object (Edit
> Rasterize
)
Image Trace
the object to create shadow levels (adjust number of colors)
Tinker with it.
Here is an example:
You can create the effect using multiple strokes. To add multiple strokes open up the Appearance
window and click on the Add new stroke
button / icon, it is the first in the bottom left side of the panel.
Make sure the strokes are inside
the object for optimal control.
@Aziz answer is great, if you are using an older version of AI that does not allow multiple strokes and you need vector paths, this may help.
If you need the artwork to be vector paths (say you want to cut vinyl graphics on a plotter for example) you can try this method. Obviously this way is little more labour intensive and less customisable, so only use if you need your shapes to be paths.
Finished Shape
Outline view
Preview and outline together
I think multiple strokes is a great way to achieve this effect, but there is another method that may or may not be better, depending on your specific needs.
Start with your outer path, no stroke, fill with the color you want for the outermost stroke. Go to Object > Path > Offset Path... and enter how much smaller you want to make the inner path.
Then change the fill of the inner shape to the color you want the innermost part to be, select both and go to Object > Blend > Make (hotkey is Alt+Ctrl+B on Windows). Then go to Object > Blend > Blend Options..., change the spacing to "Specified Steps" and enter the number of steps you want, hit OK and you're done!
There are a couple of advantages to this method.
Again, this may or may not be a better method, it really depends on your specific needs.
The is a very simple process, and can be achieved with one object.
First create your initial object:
Now, open the Appearance panel (Window > Appearance).
Then, with the object selected, duplicate the stroke in the appearance panel by dragging it to the duplicated selected item at the bottom of the panel. Move the duplicated stroke below the original, change the color and stroke size.
You may add/duplicate as many strokes as you need, move each newer one to the bottom of the stack and manipulate color and stroke size.
Notes:
Keep the object selected all the time to see the results as you are doing them.
In order to maintain the transition to the inside, select "Align stroke to inside" from the stroke panel.
You can also click on the little arrow next to the stroke to open the opacity option (opening a whole new universe of creativity).
Should you want to use the final style on other objects later, you may save it by selecting "New graphic style" in the graphic styles panel.
Hope this method has been useful to you and anyone who is reading this.
You should try using the appearance panel - Window / Appearance. Apply a new fill on top of your square and use transform to scale the new fill down. That's your first shadow. Repeat this action.