Create and Edit Gradients in Photoshop
This tutorial walks you through building gradients on vector shapes and graphics in Photoshop. You’ll edit color and opacity stops, save or import presets, and improve smoothness with Dither and 16‑bit mode. You’ll also explore styles, angle, scale, and apply gradients as layer effects with blending modes.
Step-by-step instructions
Draw a shape to hold the gradient
Select a Shape Tool (e.g., Rectangle Tool) and draw a shape on the canvas.
Ensure the shape layer is selected in the Layers panel.
Apply a gradient fill to the shape
In the Options bar, click Fill → Gradient.
Double-click the shape layer’s thumbnail to open Gradient properties.
Double-click the gradient swatch to open the Gradient Editor.
Edit colors, opacity, and presets
Drag the bottom color stops to adjust color positions; click between stops to add more colors.
Double-click a color stop to pick a specific color.
Adjust the top opacity stops to control transparency and transition harshness.
Click New to save your gradient as a preset or Import to add downloaded presets.
Reduce banding and improve smoothness
Enable Dither in the Gradient Editor to introduce subtle noise for smoother transitions.
Go to Image → Mode → 16 Bits/Channel to increase tonal values and minimize banding.
Control direction, style, and scale
Set Angle by rotating the dial or typing a value; click Reverse to swap color order if needed.
Choose a Style: Linear, Radial, Angle, Reflected, or Diamond.
Adjust Scale to increase or decrease transition softness between colors.
Click OK to apply changes.
Overlay a gradient on any layer
Select your target layer (e.g., a transparent PNG or photo).
Click the fx icon → Gradient Overlay.
Choose your gradient, set a Blending Mode, and adjust Opacity to blend with the original.
Tweak Style, Angle, and Scale to taste, then click OK.
