How to Use Gradient Mesh in Inkscape

A gradient mesh in Inkscape takes typical gradients to a whole new level. Color stops are placed throughout the mesh where each one can be adjusted. This network of gradient nodes gives more flexibility than found with standard gradients.

In this tutorial we will be making a gradient mesh in Inkscape. We will be using this vibrant color palette to choose our colors. There are tons of great color palettes to choose from on Design Bundles .A JPG image will be used as reference for our custom palette.

Step 1 - Create your color palette

Open Inkscape and select New Document. To create our palette we will be using the Create rectangles and squares tool.

The palette can contain as many colors as you want. We will use six colors.

Click on the Create rectangles and squares tool and click + drag out a rectangle. Change the width to 1.5 inches and the height to 0.5 inches. Position at the top of the page then right click and Duplicate. Repeat until you have six or however many rectangles you need for your colors.

Drag and drop the JPG image onto the Inkscape canvas. An Export menu will pop up, leave the settings as is and click Ok. Select one of the rectangles then click Pick colors from image on the left side panel. Place your mouse over a color on the image and click to select. Repeat this color selection for the remaining rectangles until you have your color palette.

Now that the color palette is ready you can go ahead and delete the JPG image.

Step 2 - Apply and edit gradient mesh

Next, we will use the bezier curve tool. With the tool selected draw out a shape. On the left side panel click on Create and edit meshes. The Rows and Columns can be adjusted to have more color stop nodes. But as we will be manually adding more nodes later on, we will keep both at 2.

To place the mesh, double click on the line of the shape. A mesh with nine color stop nodes was added here.

Have some fun by adding colors from your custom palette. Click on Pick colors from image then click on one of the corner nodes to select. Now click on a color from your palette. The color will be added to that node. Carry on to click and add colors to the corner and side nodes as well as the middle node.

In between the nodes are two circles. These circles, when clicked on, will turn into arrows. They are used to expand and shift the color transition. We will refer to them as Transition nodes.

On the left side panel click on Edit path by nodes. Click on one of the transition nodes and move it around. You can also move the color stop nodes. Avoid clicking on any of the shape nodes or the shape will be distorted.

Resolving issues with gradients

As the side nodes are shifted around be careful not to move them too far in. A gap will then be created between the edge of the gradient and the shape.

Something else to watch out for when adjusting are banding issues. This is where the transition between colors no longer blend and show hard lines. To avoid this don't shift the color nodes or transition nodes to extremes.

Step 3 - Add more mesh nodes

Mesh gradients can be finely tuned by further adding nodes across the entire mesh. Click on the Mesh Tool. Then double click on one edge of the mesh. A new line with three new nodes will be added. Where lines cross a node will automatically be added. Add more mesh nodes as needed.

A color can be added to each individual node. Click on the Pick colors from image tool and select the colors from your palette. Adjust both the nodes and transitional nodes by moving them around the mesh.

When you are happy with the effect add a stroke and change the width. You can find these options under the Fill and Stroke panel.

Mesh Gradients are awesome for uniquely colored designs. But they can also be used for more controlled shading in digital art.

If you liked this tutorial here are some other Inkscape tutorials that may be helpful such as creating a gradient in Inkscape, creating a mandala, and using digital papers in Inkscape.