How to Create Clouds in Illustrator (Step by Step, 2026)

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To create clouds in Illustrator, draw overlapping circles with the Ellipse tool, merge them with the Shape Builder tool or the Pathfinder panel, flatten the base and fill the shape with white or a soft gradient. This guide uses Adobe Illustrator and shows both a flat cartoon cloud and a softer version with shading.

Quick Steps

1. Draw 4 to 6 overlapping circles in a row.
2. Add a rectangle across the bottom to flatten the base.
3. Merge everything with Shape Builder (Shift+M) or Pathfinder > Unite.
4. Fill with white or a soft gradient and add shading.

Drawing Clouds in Illustrator: Step by Step

1. Draw the circles

Press L for the Ellipse tool and draw circles of different sizes in a row, with the biggest in the middle. Overlap them so the shape looks fluffy.

2. Flatten the base

Draw a rectangle across the bottom of the circles, extending past them, to give the cloud a flat underside.

3. Merge into one shape

Select all shapes and use the Shape Builder tool (Shift+M), dragging across them to merge, or click Unite in the Pathfinder panel.

4. Round the corners

Use the Direct Selection Tool (A) and drag the corner widgets of the bottom corners to round them.

5. Color and shade

Fill with white or a pale blue, then add a second copy in a slightly darker blue behind or below it. For a softer look use Effect > Blur > Gaussian Blur on the shadow shape, or a gradient from white to light gray.

Tips for Better Results

• Vary circle sizes: identical circles look artificial.
• Make several clouds at different sizes and place them at different depths.
• Use a light blue gradient background so white clouds stand out.
• Group each cloud and duplicate it, then flip or scale the copies to avoid repeats.

Common Problems and Fixes

• The clouds look lumpy: use fewer, larger circles.
• Shape Builder does not merge: select every shape first.
• Blur looks harsh: lower the radius and the opacity of the shadow shape.

Why This Skill Matters for Design Jobs

Illustrator is named in 44% of the 412 graphic, brand, visual and UI design job posts ArtBlast tracked from March to August 2026 (181 posts), so everyday skills like this one are what employers expect. Browse illustrator jobs, graphic designer jobs and freelance illustrator jobs, and see what the work pays in the illustrator salary guide. Not sure which Adobe app to learn? Read Photoshop vs Illustrator.

Need the software? Try Illustrator on Adobe (free trial available). The single app costs $22.99 a month in the United States on an annual plan billed monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a cloud in Illustrator?

Draw overlapping circles, add a rectangle at the bottom, merge them with Shape Builder or Pathfinder Unite and fill with white or a gradient.

How do I make a soft realistic cloud?

Use several shapes in light blue and white, add a Gaussian Blur effect and lower opacity for soft edges.

Can I make clouds with a brush?

Yes. You can create a custom art brush from a cloud shape and paint clouds along a path.

Which tool merges shapes?

The Shape Builder tool or the Unite button in the Pathfinder panel.

Sources

Steps were checked against the official guides in November 2026. Menu names can change slightly between versions.

• Adobe Illustrator User Guide
• Adobe plans page, US prices (single app $22.99 a month, annual commitment billed monthly). Adobe shows local prices by country.

Job data: ArtBlast job tracking, March 13 to August 12 2026, distinct posts (one per employer and title) with a full description. Graphic, brand, visual and UI cohort: 412 distinct posts and 364 employers.