The Gradient Tool creates a gradual blend between multiple colors. In this easy to follow guide, I will go through the steps required for you to apply the gradient fill to your artworks.
After you have mastered how to apply the gradient fill, check out this article to learn how to create beautiful textured backgrounds in Photoshop here!
Create a New Document in Photoshop
Firstly, create a new document in Photoshop and rename it to your preferred name. Click Ok.
Apply the Gradient Fill
Now, select your desired area, if not, the gradient will be applied on your entire layer. Then, select the Gradient Tool by holding down on the Paint Bucket Tool.
Click on the triangle next to sample in the option bar to open Gradient picker.
Within the Gradient picker, the gradient in the first box, is the result of your foreground color (red) and background color (white). The one next to it is the foreground color with transparent. To quickly toggle between these options, select , and . on your keyboard.
Clicking on the inside of the sample allows you to edit the gradient.
You can edit a preset gradient fill, or create your custom gradient fill. Just click on the color stops under the gradient bar (I have circled one of the color stop), choose a color, and click Ok. To adjust the position of the color stops, simply drag the corresponding color stop left or right to the desired location.
With that, start applying your gradient to your canvas. Select a location on the canvas as the starting point (where the mouse is pressed) and drag your mouse to the ending point (where the mouse is released).
Try around till you get the desired gradient fill that you are looking for. The image below is an example of the possible outcome for each gradient effect.
The gradient effects can be achieved by selecting various effects, namely the Linear Gradient, Radical Gradient, Angle Gradient, Reflected Gradient, and Diamond Gradient, as shown in the following image.
That’s it folks! Hope that this has been a helpful guide to all those who are new to Photoshop.
