Using The Gradient Tools - Adobe PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS Manual

CHAPTER 7
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Painting and Drawing
To specify a paint fade-out rate:
Click the Brush Dynamics button (
1
options bar, and choose Fade for each of the
following options you want to set:
Size to decrease the brush stroke size over the
•
length of a brush stroke.
Opacity/Pressure to reduce the opacity over the
•
length of a stroke.
Color to cause the color to fade in intensity over
•
the length of a stroke. (This option is only available
when using a tool that supports color.)
Enter a value for Steps. The value represents the
2
number of steps in the fade. A smaller value causes
the stroke to fade quickly.
Each step is equal to one mark of the brush tip. The
value can range from 1 to 9999. For example,
entering 10 steps produces a fade in 10 increments.
For smaller brushes, you may want to set a value
of 25 or larger. If strokes fade too quickly, increase
the values.
Fade-out showing setting of
40, 60, and 80 steps

Using the gradient tools

) in the
The gradient tools create a gradual blend between
multiple colors. You can choose from existing
gradient fills or create your own.
Linear gradient
point to the ending point in a straight line.
Radial gradient
point to the ending point in a circular pattern.
Angular gradient
clockwise sweep around the starting point.
Reflected gradient
linear gradients on either side of the starting point.
Diamond gradient
point outward in a diamond pattern. The ending
point defines one corner of the diamond.
Note: The gradient tools 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 or in a selection. 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.
( ) Shades from the starting
( ) Shades from the starting
( ) Shades in a counter-
( ) Shades using symmetric
( ) Shades from the starting