How to Use Gradient in Animation

Gradients are used to create gradual shades of colors.

A gradient is a drawing or shape that filled with a variety of shades or colors. The gradient can be linear, which moves from left to right by default, or it can be radial, which moves from the center outward. Animators use gradients in a variety of ways, such as making an impact on an image by gradually unveiling with the use of a radial gradient. Adjust the color and opacity in the software gradient color fill panel. Most animation softwares allow the user to click on an arrow that will slide back and forth to adjust the values from light to dark.

Instructions

Keyframe Software

1. Open an animation software program such as Flash or After Effects and import an image to create a gradient animation over image.

2. Click on a shape like a circle, create a radial gradient, and set the alpha to "0" so the middle is clear of any color. Choose desired colors for the rest of the gradient.

3. Drag the mouse over the image to create the gradient shape.

4. Set a key frame around the 15th frame and change the gradient to a different setting, such as lighter around the edges. Then create another key frame at 16. If you are using a animation program like Flash, create a movie clip of the shape.

5. Go to frame 20 and create a key frame.

6. Create a key frame around 15, change the gradient and then create another key frame at 16. For Flash users, create a movie clip of the sphere. Create a key frame at frame 20 and change the gradient color to 0 percent. Flash users will need to create a shape tween and a motion tween and a stop command. The tweens are found on the properties panels. If the panel is not open, click on "Windows" and then "Properties." For the stop command, right click on the end of the tween and click on "Action" from the pull out menu and then type in "stop();" AS3 code.

Layers Software

1. Open an animation software program such as Fireworks or Gimp and import an image to create a gradient animation effect.

2. Click on a shape like a circle, create a radial gradient, and set the alpha to "0" so the middle is clear of any color. Chose desired colors for the rest of the gradient.

3. Drag the shape over the image to create a gradient shape.

4. Create a new duplicate layer and adjust the gradient for each layer for the desired gradient effect. For example, bring the opacity of the color down 50 percent for one new layer and down to 25 percent for another layer to slowly reveal a little more of the image.

5. Save the file and test the gradient by playing back the animation. Adjust if needed.

References

• "Flash Cartoon Animation;" Tim Jones; 2007
• Task Tutorial: Gradient Animation Using Flash