How to add a gradient to text in Illustrator
Select the text with the Selection tool, open the Appearance panel, click the Fill row, and choose a gradient. Applying a gradient with the Type tool active does nothing, which is the usual snag. JuicyType's Gradient effect adds gradients to faces and strokes together.
The manual way, in Illustrator
- Select the text object (not the characters) with the Selection tool.
- Open Window › Appearance and click Fill.
- In the Gradient panel pick a swatch or build stops. Drag with the Gradient tool (G) for angle and length.
- To gradient each letter separately, outline a copy, or use JuicyType's per-letter option.
One gradient spans the whole text object on live type; per-letter gradients need outlines or the plugin.
Steps drafted from Illustrator's documentation; to be checked in Illustrator 2025–2026 before launch.
2 effects in JuicyType
Gradients themselves are Illustrator swatches: give the face a gradient swatch and JuicyType's Gradient rows appear with type (Linear / Radial / Mirror) and angle, for the fill and for each stroke band. Then add Highlight for the shine.
Common questions
Why will the gradient not apply to my text?
The fill is not targeted. Use the Selection tool and click Fill in the Appearance panel.