Creating a permanent mesh in Adobe Illustrator can be a useful technique for creating complex and detailed vector illustrations. Meshes allow you to add depth, texture, and realism to your artworks. However, meshes in Illustrator are often temporary and can be difficult to manipulate or edit once they have been created. In this article, we will discuss a method for making a mesh permanent in Adobe Illustrator, allowing for greater control and flexibility in your artwork.
Step 1: Create Your Mesh
Before making your mesh permanent, you first need to create the mesh in your Illustrator artwork. To do this, select the object or shape you want to apply the mesh to and go to Object > Create Gradient Mesh. This will create a mesh of intersecting lines across the object, allowing you to manipulate individual points to create depth and texture.
Step 2: Edit Your Mesh
Once your mesh is created, you can begin to edit it by using the Direct Selection Tool (A) to select and move individual mesh points. You can also use the Mesh Tool (U) to add new mesh points and create more complex shapes and gradients within the mesh.
Step 3: Expand the Mesh
To make your mesh permanent, you need to expand it. This will convert the mesh into a series of paths, allowing you to edit and manipulate the artwork more freely. To do this, select your mesh object and go to Object > Expand. This will bring up a dialog box where you can choose to expand the mesh to specific numbers of points or to the maximum number of points.
Step 4: Ungroup the Mesh
After expanding your mesh, the resulting artwork will be grouped. To make the mesh truly permanent, you need to ungroup it. Select your expanded mesh and go to Object > Ungroup. This will break the mesh into individual paths, allowing you to edit each point and line independently.
Step 5: Edit and Refine
With your permanent mesh, you now have the freedom to further edit and refine your artwork. You can use the Direct Selection Tool to move individual points and lines, apply different stroke and fill colors, and add additional shapes and details to your artwork.
By making your mesh permanent in Adobe Illustrator, you can have greater control and flexibility in creating complex and detailed vector illustrations. This technique allows you to manipulate and edit your artwork more freely, making it a valuable tool for any illustrator or designer looking to add depth and texture to their creations. With these steps, you can confidently work with meshes in Illustrator, knowing that your artwork will retain its appearance and structure as you continue to refine and develop your designs.
