How to Apply a Gradient Map to an Image in Photoshop

A gradient map can be applied to any image in Adobe Photoshop CS3. In gradient mapping, a gradient acts as an overlay to an image combining both the gradient and the image together. This can create quite a unique look for the image. Follow the steps below to find out how you can apply a gradient map to an image in Adobe Photoshop.

Things You'll Need

• Adobe Photoshop CS3

Instructions

1. Start Adobe Photoshop CS3 and open an image from your files to which you want to apply a gradient map.

2. Select the "Image" menu, point to "Adjustments" and click on "Gradient Map" to open the "Gradient Map" dialog box.

3. Choose the gradient you want to use for the gradient map by clicking on the "Gradient Picker" drop-down box. Click on the gradient preset you want to use for the gradient mapping. You will see that in the background the gradient has been applied to your open image.

4. Click on the gradient fill that you have chosen to open the "Gradient Editor" if you want to edit the gradient preset. Make any changes in this dialog box and click the "OK" button to close the box and return to your gradient map.

5. Set any final options to apply to your gradient map. Check "Dither" under "Gradient Options" to add noise to smooth the bands of your gradient and/or "Reverse" to switch the direction of the gradient map.

6. Use the "OK" button to close the "Gradient Map" dialog box and return your image to which the gradient map is now applied.