Mesh gradients have exploded in popularity for their smooth, organic, and abstract look. They’re perfect for landing pages, UI backgrounds, hero sections, and branding visuals.
Figma doesn’t have a native “mesh gradient” tool like some vector apps, but you can easily fake a mesh gradient using shape blending techniques or helpful plugins.
Here’s how to do it—step-by-step.
🎨 What Is a Mesh Gradient?
A mesh gradient is a color transition that blends multiple hues across a shape or canvas in a fluid, non-linear way. Unlike linear or radial gradients, a mesh gradient can have multiple color points and curves, creating more complex and natural-looking effects.
Think of it as digital watercolor meets neon vaporwave.
✅ Method 1: Create a Mesh Gradient Manually (No Plugin)
This is a native Figma method using blur and layering:
Steps:
- Create a Base Frame or Shape
- Use a rectangle sized to your canvas or background area.
- Add Ellipse Blobs
- Create several ellipses (circles or ovals).
- Give each a solid fill with different vibrant colors.
- Apply Gaussian Blur
- Select each ellipse.
- Go to Effects → Add Layer Blur (adjust to 100–250 for smoothness).
- Layer and Blend
- Stack your blurred ellipses on top of the frame.
- Adjust size, position, and opacity to blend colors.
- Mask (Optional)
- Create a mask to keep the gradient contained in a specific shape (e.g. logo, button, text).
✅ Result: A fluid, dreamy mesh gradient effect — all done in native Figma.
⚡ Method 2: Use a Mesh Gradient Plugin
If you want speed and precision, Figma plugins can generate complex mesh gradients with just a few clicks.
Top Plugins:
- Mesh Gradient (by Lona or Marco Lopes)
- CoolHue
- UIGradients Mesh Generator
How to Use:
- Go to Figma → Resources → Plugins → Search “Mesh Gradient”
- Run the plugin
- Pick your colors, density, blur level
- Insert generated mesh onto canvas
- Customize with mask, blend mode, or scale
✅ Bonus: Many plugins let you export as SVG or raster graphics.
🎯 Tips for Better Mesh Gradients
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Use 3–6 color blobs | Keeps blends elegant, not muddy |
| Play with opacity | Adds depth and variation |
| Use vibrant or neon tones | Makes the gradient pop |
| Layer with dark/light backgrounds | Boosts contrast |
🧠 Use Cases for Mesh Gradients in UI
- Hero backgrounds for landing pages
- Abstract cards or banners
- Button and icon backgrounds
- App onboarding screens
- Branding assets and social posts
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Too many colors | Stick to 3–6 blobs for balance |
| Harsh edges | Increase blur to smoothen |
| No contrast | Test against text or elements |
| Ignoring accessibility | Don’t place text over bright blends without testing readability |
✅ Wrap-Up: Mesh Gradients in Figma Are Easy and Powerful
You don’t need Adobe Illustrator or advanced tools to create modern mesh gradients. With Figma’s layer blur, masking, and plugins, you can design stunning visuals with minimal effort.
Whether you’re creating a tech-forward hero image or a mellow abstract background, mesh gradients can bring modern aesthetic energy to your design.
Want more Figma tricks? Explore gradient effects, component logic, and layout systems at Designilo.com.
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