Adobe 13101332 - Photoshop - Mac User Manual page 244

Adobe Photoshop Help
Using Help | Contents
Using the gradient tool (Photoshop)
The gradient tool creates a gradual blend between multiple colors. You can choose from
preset gradient fills or create your own.
Note: The gradient tool cannot be used with images in Bitmap, indexed-color, or 16-bits
per channel mode.
Applying a gradient fill
You fill an area with a gradient by dragging in the image. The starting point (where the
mouse is pressed) and ending point (where the mouse is released) affect the gradient
appearance, depending on the gradient tool used.
To apply a gradient fill:
1 To fill part of the image, select the desired area. Otherwise, the gradient fill is applied to
the entire active layer.
2 Select the gradient tool
3 Choose a gradient fill in the options bar:
Click the triangle next to the gradient sample to pick a preset gradient fill.
•
Click inside the gradient sample to view the Gradient Editor. Select a preset gradient fill,
•
or create a new gradient fill. Then click OK. (See
page 245.)
4 Select an option for applying the gradient fill in the options bar:
Linear gradient
•
line.
Radial gradient
•
pattern.
Angle gradient to shade in a counterclockwise sweep around the starting point.
•
Reflected gradient
•
starting point.
Diamond gradient
•
The ending point defines one corner of the diamond.
5 Do the following in the options bar:
Specify a blending mode and opacity for the paint. (See
•
and editing tools" on page
To reverse the order of colors in the gradient fill, select Reverse.
•
To create a smoother blend with less banding, select Dither.
•
To use a transparency mask for the gradient fill, select Transparency. (See
•
the gradient transparency" on page
6 Position the pointer in the image where you want to set the starting point of the
gradient, and drag to define the ending point. To constrain the line angle to a multiple
of 45°, hold down Shift as you drag.
Using Help | Contents
| Index
.
to shade from the starting point to the ending point in a straight
to shade from the starting point to the ending point in a circular
to shade using symmetric linear gradients on either side of the
to shade from the starting point outward in a diamond pattern.
241.)
246.)
| Index
"Creating smooth gradient fills" on
"Setting options for painting
Painting
Back 244
"Specifying
Back 244