Applying graduated transparency

Graduated transparency works in a very similar way to graduated color fills. You just drag on the objects in the Transparency Tool to create a fading transparency. You have a very similar range of transparency shapes, the simplest being linear, but you can also have circular, elliptical, conical, fractal and bitmap transparencies, and others. To create a graduated fade:

Select the object or objects
In the Transparency Tool, drag across the objects to create a linear fade across the object.
Select alternative transparency shapes from the dropdown menu on the InfoBar.

You can select and adjust the position and transparency strength using the "fill" handles shown on the object.

Refer to Fills for more information on manipulating fill handles and the different fill shapes (in this case transparency shapes).