How to Create a Gradient Fill in Photoshop
Learning to use gradient fills in Photoshop adds a touch of flair to a two-dimensional picture. By spreading out the colored pixels over a selected area, blending from one to the other, you can create graduated amounts of seamless color. In addition, gradients can be black and white.
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Instructions
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Create a simple square selection on your document by choosing the square "Selection" tool from Photoshop's toolbar. You can apply a gradient to any shape, but a square is easy to begin with.
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Select the "Gradient" tool from the toolbar. This is a slightly rectangular box with vertical bars of one color getting dark from one side to the other. With the tool active, familiarize yourself with the "Option" bar at the top of the screen. You may choose "Foreground to Transparent," "Foreground to Background" or "Custom" options by clicking the little arrow on the gradient fill box.
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Choose "Foreground to Transparent" and pick a color you like. Starting at one end of your square selection, drag the Gradient tool halfway and release it. The color you chose will spread across the selection, fading out as it goes.
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Pick "Foreground to Background" to create a two-toned gradient that fades from your foreground color to your background color as you drag across the selection. The rest of the options shown are customized and will give you the effect displayed in the corresponding thumbnail.
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Alternate the pattern of the pixels by choosing one of the five squares to the right of the gradient fill box. Instead of a side-to-side gradient, you can switch to a star, circle or other pattern. Try each one in reverse by selecting the box to the far right.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with the gradient tool in all its variations and options. Used frequently by graphic artists, the gradient tool is one of Photoshop's most popular features.
Copy your original picture if you're working on a photograph and apply the changes to the copy only, preserving your original.
