Topic Shader allows you to create linear changes in the Fill Color attributes of topics in your maps. You can apply the shading for either the entire map by selecting the Central Topic of for individual Topics and their Sub-Topics.

To use Topic Shader select the item from the OPTi-Addins Menu Ribbon.

Then select the value you wish to use to shade the Topics. The lower the value you select, the smaller the change will be from one topic level to the next. Higher values will result in a much greater chaneg in the colour.

Finally select whether you want the color changes to go from light – dark or dark – light. (Note: Topic Shader will use the Parent Topic to reference its starting shade)

You can create some interesting map colour formats by applying different values to different Topic Levels.