There’s something about gradients that instantly transforms a design. It’s the subtle fade, the seamless blend of colors that draws the eye and stirs emotion. In today’s digital landscape, where brands are fighting for attention in every pixel, the design must communicate more than just functionality—it needs to feel like art. And that’s where Mesh Gradients in Figma come in, a tool that has recently revolutionized how we think about backgrounds, textures, and layers.
My First Encounter with Mesh Gradients
As a designer at TechVolt Media Group, my interest in Mesh Gradients began like most great discoveries—through curiosity. I’d been working on a project for a luxury brand, and while the design was functional, something was missing. I wanted something soft yet impactful, fluid yet structured. That’s when I stumbled upon Figma’s Mesh Gradient feature. At first, I thought, “Another gradient tool? How different can it be?” But the moment I started experimenting with it, I realized it wasn’t just another gradient tool—it was a game changer.
Gradients That Lack Depth
Traditional gradients, as much as they elevate a design, often feel too linear, too predictable. They blend two or more colors but in a very systematic, almost mechanical way. The designs lack the kind of organic, natural feel that I wanted to achieve. With high-end clients, especially those in fashion, tech, or luxury spaces, you want to deliver something that stands out yet feels effortless. The issue was clear: How could I create backgrounds that felt alive, like they were part of the design narrative, not just a filler?
Mesh Gradients: A New Way of Thinking
When I started working with Figma’s Mesh Gradient, I realized that this wasn’t your typical linear tool. Mesh Gradients allow you to add multiple color points across a grid, giving you the freedom to create complex, organic blends. The colors flowed like paint on canvas—soft transitions that felt more like watercolor than code. It mirrored the fluidity found in nature—the soft blend of a sunset sky, the way light reflects off water—giving the design a richer, more emotional quality. This ability to mimic natural gradients was a revelation, not just for me, but for the brands I worked with.
I remember working on a tech client’s website. The brief was simple: make it bold but minimalist. But how do you marry minimalism with the depth and complexity of a brand’s personality? That’s when I turned to Mesh Gradients. By strategically placing subtle color transitions across the header and backgrounds, I created a design that was minimal yet vibrant. The CEO later told me it felt like the brand was “breathing” through the screen—a living, breathing experience that told their story without overwhelming the user.
This approach bridged the gap between design simplicity and emotional engagement. It wasn’t just a background anymore; it was part of the user journey, enhancing the visual story we were telling.
Overcoming Misconceptions: Complexity vs. Simplicity
Some designers think that Mesh Gradients might make their work look overly complex or messy, but the truth is quite the opposite. The fluidity of the gradient allows for subtlety, giving depth to minimalist designs. Yes, it can be tricky at first to manage all those color points, but once you get the hang of it, the results are worth it.
Tools like “Mesh Gradient Generator” make this even easier. And while there’s an initial learning curve, especially if you’re used to more traditional methods, the payoff is enormous. Not only do these gradients give your design more character, but they also offer a fresh aesthetic that’s incredibly modern.
Why You Should Consider Embracing Mesh Gradients
Using Mesh Gradients in your Figma workflow isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about performance. For organizations, particularly high-end and tech-driven brands, these gradients create a visual language that speaks sophistication and innovation. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Enhanced User Experience: Mesh gradients are subtle enough not to distract but captivating enough to keep users engaged.
- Brand Differentiation: In a saturated market, standing out visually is crucial. Mesh gradients offer that unique edge.
- Timeless Design: Unlike other design trends that quickly fade, the fluid nature of Mesh Gradients provides a timeless quality, making them an ideal choice for long-lasting designs.
Mesh Gradient: Free yourself from the constraints of linear & radial gradients.
The Mesh Gradients plugin from the Figma community is the simplest way to create stunning mesh gradients. This powerful tool lets you design a gradient image with a 2D mesh base, enabling you to adjust the vertices and edges to achieve a flawless gradient effect.
How to Use Mesh Gradients:
- Install the Plugin: On the canvas, right-click, go to Plugins, and select Mesh Gradients.
- Editable Edges: Activate editable edges if you’d like to modify the borders and curves for more customization.
- Randomize: Use the randomization option to create a unique mesh gradient with just one click.
A settings panel will appear, allowing you to customize colors, the number of mesh points, and control visibility. Adjust points and lines as desired to achieve your ideal look.
Features:
- Colors: Select four colors or enter color codes directly.
- Number of Mesh Points: Choose from a 1×1, 2×2, 3×3, or 4×4 grid to control the number of color points. The default is 2×2 for four color points.
- Control Visibility: Set visibility to None, Handles, or Lines. None hides all points; Handles show points only, and Lines display both points and lines.
- Saved Gradients: Save your customized mesh gradients to use in future projects without needing to recreate them.
Generate: When satisfied with your design, click “Generate” to create your gradient mesh image.
At TechVolt Media Group, we’re always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in design. If you’re ready to give your brand the visual depth and sophistication it deserves, let’s chat. Experiment with Mesh Gradients on Figma, and experience the difference firsthand. Need help mastering this tool? Reach out to us for a personalized design consultation.
