Gradients and Patterns

You can specify a gradient color or a pattern when you implement a transitional paint effect or when you draw a three-dimensional shape or text object.

The following properties let you specify a gradient color, which starts as one color and ends as another, with the specified number of transitional colors from start to end. The direction of the transition depends on the gradient style.

GradientStyle property

GradientStartColor property

GradientEndColor property

GradientSteps property

The following properties let you specify a pattern or solid color:

PatternStyle property

PatternBackColor property

PatternForeColor property

The usage of gradients and patterns varies as follows:

• For painting transitions, described in Using Special Effects When Painting, you always use a gradient or pattern to achieve the effect.

• For a three-dimensional shape, described in Drawing Three-Dimensional Shapes and Text, you can use these properties for a fill pattern or a background bitmap, as follows:

• The pattern properties (but not the gradient properties) specify the shape's fill style.

• If the ShapeBackgroundStyle property specifies an image in the background, you can draw a patterned or gradient rectangle to another control's bitmap, then use that bitmap as the background of the shape when drawing to the main control.

• For a text object, described in Drawing Three-Dimensional Shapes and Text, you can only use a pattern or gradient to create a bitmap that you use as the foreground of the text. First you draw a patterned or gradient rectangle to another control's bitmap. Then you use that bitmap as foreground of a text object when drawing to the main control.