: How can I apply a gradient overlay to *only* non-white areas of a group? I am working with a vector image (not my design, bought as stock) and wish to overlay all of it with a gradient

@Nimeshi706

If the overlapping objects are causing issues and you don't mind destructively flattening the paths you can use Pathfinder's "Merge" on the group first.

Other than that it seems this is mostly a selection issue. So...


Select the group you want to apply the gradient to and enter isolation mode (either double click the object or use the button in the control bar). This prevents you accidentally selecting objects outside the group.
Select all the non-white objects within the group.


Select a single white object
Select → Same → Fill Color
Select → Inverse

Apply a gradient across your selected objects with the Gradient Tool.

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@Smith574

Part 1:

To select the objects, use the Magic Wand Tool - Y and select one (You can try adjusting the tolerance until you get it to select them all)

Part 2:

The only way to do what you're describing is to group the items together. (You may want to do it by layer individually. Lock all layers besides one you're doing and do one layer at a time).


Group the items Ctrl/Cmnd+G
Take away fill color and stroke color / (So it doesn't interfere/mix with the desired color)
Go to Appearance Panel Shift+F6
Click on the Drop-down Menu (on top right)





Select: Add New Stroke
Choose the color you want for the stroke.




Note: If you dont group the items than it wont work. It will just create the Gradient on each item (which is not the desired effect).



Without Grouping:





With Grouping:





Quick Step by Step GIF:

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