Applying+a+Gradient

=Applying a Gradient= Photoshop allows you to make a gradual transition between two or more colors by using the //Gradient// //Tool//. A gradient can be applied to any selected area of an image or background. Photoshop offers many patterns for the gradient to follow, or you can create your own pattern. This document shows you how to apply a preset gradient. Fill an area with a gradient by clicking and dragging in the image. The starting and ending points affect the gradient appearance in different ways, depending on the //Gradient// //Tool// used. NOTE: The //Gradient// //Tool// will not work in //Bitmap// or //Indexed Color// modes.
 * If no area is selected, the gradient will be applied to the entire layer.**

Select your Foreground and Background colors From the //Toolbox//, click the **FOREGROUND** or **BACKGROUND**color square The //Color Picker// dialog box appears

The Color Picker Dialog Box
The //Color Picker// dialog box allows you four options to set the color: the color field, the color slider, numeric values, and hexadecimal values. The //Color Picker// opens when you go to select a color using the //Toolbox// Select the area you wish to apply the gradient to
 * 1) From the //Toolbox//, select the //**Gradient**//**//Tool//**[[image:http://www.uwec.edu/help/PhotoshopCS3/Images/buttons/gradient.gif width="26" height="22"]] NOTE: If the gradient tool is not visible: to reveal the //Gradient Tool[[image:http://www.uwec.edu/help/PhotoshopCS3/Images/buttons/gradient.gif width="26" height="22"]],// click and hold the mouse over the **PAINT BUCKET TOOL**//[[image:http://www.uwec.edu/help/PhotoshopCS3/Images/buttons/paintbucket.gif width="27" height="23"]].//
 * 2) The //Gradient Tool Options// toolbar appears near the top of your screen.[[image:http://www.uwec.edu/help/PhotoshopCS3/Images/other/gradient_label.gif width="396" height="131" align="left"]]

3. On the //Gradient Tool Options// toolbar, from the //Gradient////Options// pull-down list, select a gradient fill option 4. From the //Preset Tools// section, select a gradient fill 5. On the //Gradient Tool Options// toolbar, select one of the following: Linear Gradient || Creates a gradient which spans from one side to the other side of the layer or selection. Follows the direction of the mouse path. || Radial Gradient || Creates a circular gradient based on the center point and radius that you specify by dragging the mouse. The outermost color in the gradient expands across the entire layer or selection. || Angle Gradient || Creates a gradient from one point to another along an angled line. || Reflected Gradient || Creates a gradient reflected from the center; design is reflected either vertically or horizontally. Diamond Gradient || Creates a gradient extending from the center point in a diamond shape. ||
 * ~ Button ||~ Name ||~ Description ||
 * 1) OPTIONAL: Adjust the //Opacity// slider bar until you reach the desired opacity setting
 * 2) On your image, position the pointer where you would like the gradient to begin
 * 3) Click and drag over the image in the direction you would like the gradient to follow
 * 4) Release the mouse buttonThe gradient is applied to the entire layer.