Expand a Gradient

There are times when you may have to expand a gradient to convert it to a series of objects (for example, if you are having trouble getting a gradient to print and/or look the way you want). With the object selected, go to the Object menu and choose Expand. In the dialog, choose between Gradient Mesh and Specify Objects. To expand a gradient-filled object with the last-used settings, press-and-hold the Option key (PC: Alt key) as you choose Object>Expand.