"Collapsing" a group after using a group of objects as a mask over a long gradient.

[mpstaton]

So, in designing for the web, a lot of what I need to do is have a big gradient give a feel to several (if not many) components that are acting as layers on top of the gradient.  In some cases, you want the front layer to have it's own background.  

But in many cases, I'm actually trying to stretch the gradient across many smaller objects.  

I'm used to the idea of "collapsing" a grouping or layer. Usually, I think, in a mask collapse it pulls the color and style from the object being masked. 

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[Dan C]

Hi @mpstaton,

Thanks for your post!

If I've correctly understood your requirements, you can achieve this by simply Grouping your multiple vector objects, then applying a Gradient using the Gradient Tool to the Group layer, which will reflect the gradient through all objects within, without the use of Mask layers -

 

Does this achieve the results you're looking for please?

[HCl]

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