Drawing a color gradient
You can draw a color gradient over an entire image or a selected area of one by using the Gradient tool.
To draw a color gradient in an image or selected area
- (Optional) Select an area in the image. One way to do this is with the Selection tool, and information on using it is available in Selecting image areas for modification.
- Select the Gradient tool
or press the shortcut key G.
- Draw the gradient by dragging in the image or selected area of it. To draw the gradient exactly horizontal, vertical, or at a 45-degree angle from them, press Shift before dragging. Also, the longer the drag the more gradual the color transition is in the gradient.
- (Optional) To modify the gradient, select one of the three square handles on the arrow displayed in the gradient and move it as needed.
To change options for the Gradient tool after selecting it
- In the tool options bar under the menu bar, change the options as needed:
- Type: Select the shape of the gradient, such as along a line or in a spiral.
- Cycling: Select a color cycling pattern for the gradient.
- Color: Select the colors to use in the gradient.
- Revert: Select to flip the gradient 180 degrees.
- Opacity: Enter an opacity value from 0 to 100 percent to specify the degree to which color underneath the gradient is visible.
- Blending Mode: Select the way the color of a gradient blends with the colors underneath it.