How to blend two shapes into steps

Blending two shapes into a run of steps in Vectornation by Zaweba takes the Blend tool (W) or Object > Blend > Make (Ctrl+Alt+B). Select two shapes and Vectornation fills the space between them with in-between copies that change shape, size and colour from one to the other. You choose smooth colour, a set number of steps, or a set distance between steps.

Blends are behind a lot of familiar vector looks: stacked outlines on retro type, concentric rings, smooth colour ramps that a gradient can't follow, and rows of objects that morph from one form to another.

Making a blend

Draw two shapes, such as a small red circle and a large yellow one. Select both and choose Object > Blend > Make, or pick the Blend tool and click each shape in turn. Vectornation creates the blend, with copies running from the first shape to the second along a straight line, called the spine.

The blend is live. Move, reshape or recolour either end and the steps between them update.

The three spacing options

Smooth colour works out as many steps as it needs to make the colour change look continuous. Use it for soft colour transitions that follow the shape of an object, such as shading on a rounded form.

Specified steps lets you set exactly how many in-between copies there are. Use a small number, such as five, for visible stepped graphics; use more for a dense effect.

Specified distance spaces the copies a set distance apart, so the number of steps depends on how far apart the ends are. It is useful when the gap matters, for example when making evenly spaced stripes.

Easing presets for steps and colour let the change speed up or slow down along the blend, rather than happening at an even rate. An eased blend can look more natural, with steps bunching towards one end.

Bending the spine

A straight line between two shapes is only the start. Replace spine swaps the straight spine for any path you draw, so the blend follows a curve, a circle or a wave. Reverse spine flips the direction, swapping which end the blend starts from.

This is how you make text with a curving 3D like trail, ribbons of colour along a path, or a chain of shapes that winds around a design.

Ideas to try

Blend between two copies of the same word in different colours, with a few steps, for stacked retro lettering. Blend between a large and a small circle for concentric rings. Blend between a star and a circle for a morphing row. Blend between two lines with specified steps to make even hatching.

Avoiding odd results

Blends between very different shapes sometimes twist, because the points on each shape are matched up in order. Shapes with a similar number of points, starting in a similar place, blend more cleanly. If a blend twists, try simplifying one shape or reversing its path direction with the reverse command under Object > Path.

Too many steps can make a file heavy, especially with complex shapes. Use as few as give the look you want.

Blends are a step on from gradients and a lot of fun to experiment with. Vectornation by Zaweba keeps them live, so you can go on adjusting until the steps sit right.