What this tool does
Gradient creates a smooth transition between colors across a chosen distance and direction.
Draw, paint, erase, sample color, and build raster artwork directly on image layers.
How to use it
- 01
Open an image and choose Gradient from the left toolbar.
- 02
Choose the endpoint colors, drag in the transition direction, and shorten or lengthen the line to control softness.
- 03
Review the result at 100% zoom. If the change is too strong, undo it and repeat with a lower intensity.
What you can make
- Create skies and abstract backgrounds
- Add controlled light falloff
- Blend a masked layer smoothly
When to use it
Use Gradient to create a controlled transition between colors or transparency across a background, adjustment, mask, or graphic element. Gradients are useful for banners, atmospheric light, vignette-like emphasis, and smooth blends that would be difficult to paint evenly by hand.
Key controls
- Color stops
- Choose start and end colors that support the design hierarchy. Additional stops can shape the transition, but too many often create muddy intermediate colors.
- Direction and length
- Drag in the direction of the transition. A short drag changes color quickly; a long drag creates a broader, calmer blend.
- Target layer or mask
- Apply the gradient on a separate layer for editable color, or on a mask when the goal is to blend one image gradually into another.
Worked example
For a video cover, place the photograph below a new raster layer and draw a dark-to-transparent gradient from the text side toward the subject. Keep the subject clear, lower the gradient layer opacity, and verify that the headline remains readable at thumbnail size.
Common mistakes
Using a transition so strong that it competes with the main subject.
Adding many color stops without a clear visual purpose.
Applying the gradient destructively when a separate layer or mask is available.
Frequently asked questions
How can I avoid visible gradient banding?
Use a longer transition, avoid extreme compression during export, and judge the final file at its actual display size. Very subtle texture can also make tonal steps less noticeable.
Can a gradient blend two images?
Yes. Place the images on separate layers, add a mask to the upper layer, and apply a black-to-white gradient on that mask. The original pixels remain available for later adjustment.