Recalcitrant mesh tool handles or...

...I am ignorant on usage. Just decided to try out the mesh tool. When I try to adjust the control handles I get unpredictable results - the mesh lines jump around and are acting un-controlable.
Is there anyone who has had this problem?
Thanks much

Yeah sorry that wasn't very elaborate. Attached is a screen cap.
Notes: System: Win XP Illus Version: CS2
User Skill Level: Rookie - I have no primary vector tool, using several over the years. Was heavy into Freehand while working in auto industry at a company doing tech illustration. Switched to Xara when I moved into freelancing - also learned Inkscape*, and have stuck to using regular gradients. I finally picked up a used version of Illustrator at Amazon because so many clients want stuff done in Illustrator (Mostly doing stuff in Xara and Inkscape and exporting it to Illustrator). So I am still pretty green in Illustrator.
I decided to experiment with the mesh tool. I am altering it to fit the contours lines of an automobile.
I started with a rhomboid matching the prespective of the side of the vehicle and created several grid lines - then started shaping it to the vehicle contour lines. I looked - snap to point was on. Snap to grid was not. Not sure if that is enough info.
*Before getting razzed too much for using Inkscape : I like the way the line tool works in the following regard: If you delete a point along an arc, the line of the arc stays the same. This is incredibly handy at times. Plus - if carefull - I could take Xara into Inkscape - into Illustrator
I

Similar Messages

I Need Mesh Tool Help!

I want to get my pink piece (left) to have gradient mesh like the piece on the right (use Mesh Tool)
I dont know how to do. Please help me explain how to do
Thank you!!!!!
My vector file here:
https://www.mediafire.com/?qulqval8ij0ll81

Make a copy of your shape and lock it, to use as a template, then direct select and move points, adjusting the shapes to your template by the handles.
In general, for irregular shapes you have better control if you start with a regular one, convert it to a mesh, then reshape to the irregular form. For example, I made square ABCD, then with the Mesh Tool clicked at E, creating a mesh. I laid point A at the upper left point on the template, and moved the others to suitable places, then adjust the handles. Other anchor points can then be added if you need them.

Mesh Tool on Irregular Shape

When I add a horizontal mesh line on my non-square object I am left with lines that swoop outside the boundaries of the object. Why does it do this? How can I prevent it? I've tried dragging the handles but they result in drastic changes that cannot be predicted. I've also tried using the convert point tool because all i really want are some perfectly straight horizontal lines that I can manipulate using the add point tool. I don't need beziers and want to rid of them.
Here are some screenshots of what I am experiencing. Notice in the 2nd how the green line curves outside the boundaries of my object.
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/8836/meshcs2.jpg
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/9564/mesh2ol3.jpg

The mesh tool does a terrible job on many shapes. My rule is any shape with a concavity requires masking. Use a rectangle or oval for your mesh object and mask that with the path you are trying to use.

Mesh tool - straight lines

I was wondering if there was a way to make the lines of the gradient mesh tool straight by default. I know you can drag in the handles so that you don't get curves between mesh points but every time I add a new mesh line it creates more mesh points with long handles and I have to drag them in to the mesh point for each one. It's incredibly frustrating.

Use the Crazy Lines Tool to fix the problem
Seriously though, how about a screenshot so we can see what crazy lines look like.

Please help me! I am struggling with the mesh tool!

So I want to make this chair look like it does in the picture, but I cant! There is a chapter in my Illustrator CS3 book explaining how to use gradient mesh and mesh tool, but it doesnt help me at all. I am clueless! The tutorial says that I can create points in the mesh simply by clicking with the mesh tool within an object, but when I try to do that, the pointer is "crossed out". I can only add extra points on lines or edges, but not on empty space within an object. What gives? Why is it that others can do it an I cant? Forgive me if I sound a little too upset, but I've been struggling with this for days and I cannot find an answer.
In this tutorial right here: http://www.layersmagazine.com/illustrator-gradient-mesh-tool.html the guy just clicks in empty spaces creating intersections. In my case it is impossible.
PS: Please look at an attached file and tell me what would be the best way to go about coloring this chair. Maybe I am doing this completely wrong? (I only started learning illustrator about 5 weeks ago)
Sorry for the background template being of poor quality, but this was taken from a book and scanned, so it's the best I could do.

You know something I think there should be a behavioral change in this case. To my way of thinking this option should automatically be disabled if you select the Mesh tool. If for some reason you want the mesh tool not to behave the way there might be a toggle or a double click to get the preferences for the tool 's behavior itself. I can see where this behavior can be useful but there needs to be a toggle.
Selecting the anchors for adding color with out accidentally creating a new mesh division is good thing but you need to be able to work both ways.
What do you think Scott Weichert you use the tool extensively, am i wrong?

Mesh tool appears inactive?!

Hi,
I did not find any other similar questions.
I am trying to use the Mesh Tool, but it appears to be inactive. The cursor looks like a cross with a small crossed circle nets to it (like a "do not pass" road sign). I do not know what I did wrong. In Preferences I have "Object selection by path only" deselected, so it can't be it.

Thank you for your reply.
I am following a tutorial:
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2012/10/03/gradients-galore-reviewing-illustrators-extensi ve-toolset-video-tutorial/#more-140468
I don't think the image is a Compound Image. I used the Ellipse Tool and the Pen Tool to build it. I am working in Outline Mode (just like the person in the tutorial).
Now I think it might be the problem. I probably have to switch between Outline and Preview constantly to make it work. I am working on the 7:45-12:00 part of the tutorial. (if you have the time to check this out)
Message was edited by: august_kat
I tried to add the image, but something went wrong. Isn`t Illustrator native format allowed

Why can't I use the mesh tool? - brand new illustrator user

I am trying to learn to use illustrator - I've been watching the online videos - which are very helpful, but there aren't any that I can find for the mesh tool. I want to add some shading to the body of this acrobat but every time I try to use the mesh tool I get the not available symbol. I can't figure out why or how to change it. I started from a scanned drawing, did a live trace, and converted to live paint to fill in colors. What should I do now to enable the mesh tool? Please help!

You need to select the shape and then click inside of it with the
tool. I'm not positive but I think it needs to be a solid for it to
work as well.
Some tutorials that I thought were rather helpful on explaining it
were on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8ZDViCmo7w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdH2hAUUPbg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDkBAN9XRoo
The person in those videos covers creating the mesh and coloring it,
patching, very nice. Hope those can help you out.

How I can improve my gradient mesh tools?

Hello there,
I would like to know if I can go faster to do a photorealistic with a mesh tools, cause point by point....
It's a bit hard, or do you have a tutorials on i Can go faster to do my pictures fast as I can do it.
Thanks.

... and even if you decide not to use the plugin, make sure to read its introduction. It will teach you a lot about gradient meshes:
http://vectorboom.com/load/web_roundups/mesh_tormentor_plugin_complete_guide/13-1-0-18

Using gradients with the gradient mesh tool

So I have a basic knowledge of using the gradient mesh tool, but in my current project I need the gradients within the object to fade from black to transparent (it will be used for a one-color tshirt). I've tried to do this a couple different ways. First, I created a solid white rectangle (no stroke) then created a 1 row 1 column flat gradient mesh on it. Added the points I needed, even added the color, and the fade is exactly the shape I need, but I can't figure out how to get rid of the white, and just have the black fade to transparent. I also tried creating a rectangle with a linear gradient fill, clicked expand and selected gradient mesh, but as soon as I press ok it changes it to solid black. I included a cropped picture of what I'm talking about. All the tail feathers need to have that black fade but without the white, it needs to fade out to transparent like the other gradients around it. I put a color background behind the image to make these areas easier to see. It seems like there should be an easy solution, but I'm not sure how to do it. Any help would be really appreciated.

Edit: set all mesh point to black.
Assuming that your version of Illustrator allows it, you can get what you want by adjusting the opacity of the mesh points, something like this:

Need Help with the Mesh Tool

I'm having trouble adding a gradient mesh to this image:
http://img237.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture1xi9.png
I would like to make it look a little more 3D or shiny with a white gradient. When I click inside the shape with the mesh tool, it creates some crazy mesh lines.. I'm pretty new to this and would really, really appreciate some help. Thanks! :)

I see the problem as well you may have to make an clipping mask of a rectangle or other shape that is more regular using this shape as the mask and grouping them.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1wekWFXbGiN7ixwI4ulbOLsAZQRp0k" /></a>
<img alt="Picture hosted by Pixentral" src="http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1wekWFXbGiN7ixwI4ulbOLsAZQRp0k_thumb.png" border="0" />

How to use the mesh tool

I am not sure how to use the mesh tool

it can be tricky! it's best to use with geometric shapes and not random figures that you create with the pen or brush tools.
so lets say you wanted to make an apple using a real picture for reference. first off, you'd place the picture of the real apple in the background. next, you would choose the circle tool to create a circle around the apple. then, you would use the mesh tool and press the center anchor to create a simple grid looking form onto the circle. grab the selection tool to move around the anchor points surrounding the apple to make a more accurate outline. after this step, it's easier to add more anchor points for the actual apple! all you must do is grab the pen tool and add more anchor points along the path and use the selection tool to move the anchor points around the apple; eventually it'll look somewhat like a 3D graph of an apple. important tip to remember, the less lines the better. but a few are okay.
so after you've graphed/mapped out your apple you're going to want to press the selection tool and use your eyedropper tool to get an accurate color of the spot/anchor you selected. the basic point of the mesh tool is to outline a picture,@ and with the eyedropper tool you can use the exact colors from the original picture you're working from. i learned this technique from class. here's my example it can be a really useful tool if it's what you're looking for.

How to control the mesh tool?

I am wanting to use the mesh tool but I need to know how to control my lines. I want a starting point and an end point but when I click the starting point is decided by me but the end point is decided on its own, and it is not the end point I want. I want a straight line (with some curves) but I am getting a diagnol line. How can a control this?

This is an image of what I've been doing. See my lines. I wasn't even getting straight lines but I fixed it up someway.
Now look at their image. The lines are going perfectly in the direction they are wanting here. How are they doing it.

Can I use Gradient Mesh tool as a template to create a 3D looking graphic?

I am attempting to make a similar graphic with this 3D appearance , using AI CS5.1
The nature of how the gradient mesh tool appears would achieve the desired effect.
I am trying to find a way, to capture and/ or add a stroke to the gradient mesh framework (seen in red) and/or save the mesh as an object.
Suggestions most appreciated
Thank you.
~design_element

design element,
This forum is the right place to be told that there is no such way, and then some suggestions:
http://forums.adobe.com/community/illustrator/illustrator_general?view=discussions

Question about gradient mesh tool

Hello, I am using the gradient tool for the first time and when I touch on an object to lay a gradient, the mesh seems to choose a set of anchor points to anchor to. If I want to anchor the gradient mesh to different points, how do I change them?

You need to keep in mind that the mesh is always constucted like a table. It has 4 corners. It's possible to set these 4 corners. All the other points are somewhat dependant on them, but can be moved using the gradient mesh tool. Read the manual on that.
To set the 4 corners:
Assumind you have a path that consists of at least 5 points.
Select 4 points with the direct selection tool
OpenObject > Create gradient mesh
Enter values -> OK

Can the Gradient Mesh Tool "web" be converted to an object to create 3D looking graphics?

I am attempting to make a similar graphic with this 3D appearance , using AI CS5.1
The nature of how the gradient mesh tool appears would achieve the desired effect.
I am trying to find a way, to capture and/ or add a stroke to the gradient mesh framework (seen in red) and/or save the mesh as an object.
Suggestions, thoughts, work-arounds most appreciated.
Thank you.
~design_element

Assuming you're not going to do some very precise scientific studies, you may want to create rectangular grids and experiment with Envelopes (located in the Object menu).

Recalcitrant mesh tool handles or...

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for