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Gradients
About gradients
You fill an area with a gradient by dragging in the image or in a selection with the Gradient tool. The distance
between the starting point (where you press and hold the mouse button) and ending point (where you release the
mouse button) affects the gradient appearance, as does the gradient type.
Using the Gradient tool and Gradient Editor, you can create a custom mix of colors in your photos
You can choose any of the following gradient types in the options bar.
Shades from the starting point to the ending point in a straight line.
Linear gradient
Shades from the starting point to the ending point in a circular pattern.
Radial gradient
Shades in a counterclockwise sweep around the starting point.
Angle gradient
Shades using symmetric linear gradients on either side of the starting point.
Reflected gradient
Shades from the starting point outward in a diamond pattern. The ending point defines one
Diamond gradient
corner of the diamond.
You can also use a Fill Layer to apply a gradient to your image. The fill layer gives you the added flexibility of
changing the gradient properties and editing the fill layer's mask to limit the gradient to a portion of your image.
Gradients are stored in libraries. You can choose a different library of gradients to display in the Gradient Picker
pop-up menu by clicking the small triangle in the menu and selecting a library at the bottom of the list. You can also
save and load your own libraries of gradients in this menu. You can also manage gradients by using the Preset
Manager.
See also
"To create fill layers" on page 97
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4.0
User Guide
239
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