How to Use Gradient in in Design

How To Use the Gradient Tool In GIMP {Complete Guide}

Another spectacular paint tool for use with GIMP. At first, you might think the Gradient tool is destined for graphic designers only. In that case, you would be mistaken. Gradients can also be used for photographers.

For example, you can create a custom vignette out of gradients! That's only one of a dozen (or more) uses for photographers. If you're ready to learn everything you need to know about the Gradient tool… let's get started!

Table of Contents

What Is the Gradient Tool?

A gradient is a gradual change in color from one to another. The Gradient tool provides the method for which to create these color transitions. A gradient can be subtle or bold. They also come in different shapes, like linear, radial, square, angular, spiral, and more.

The Gradient tool can be beneficial to both photographers and graphic designers. It was created with a multitude of tool options to help you achieve your creative vision. Oh, and you can create your own custom gradient too!

Gradient Tool Options

Let's take a deep dive into each of the settings in the Tool Options panel. First, you'll need to activate the tool to see the options. Either find the tool grouped with the Bucket Fill tool in the toolbar or use the keyboard shortcut, which is the letter "G." If the Tool Options are not visible, go to Windows > Dockable Dialogs > Tool Options.

• Mode Menu: Provides a selection of paint application modes via the mode menu. The drop-down list is extensive, and you can find out more about Layer Modes here.
• Opacity: This can be adjusted to lower the transparency of the gradient applied
• Gradient: You're not limited to a single transition from one color to another or transparency. It's possible to create a rainbow of hues of your choosing. Or select from the pre-made gradients provided. You can also reverse the direction of the color transition with the icon to the right of the gradient preview.
• Blend Color Space: I haven't figured these tool options, and there is no documentation from GIMP. My best guess is the gradient is altered based on the color space chosen.
• Shape - Linear: The gradient's beginning uses the foreground color. The line you draw transitions to the background colors in a linear direction.
• Shape - Bi-Linear: This option starts with the foreground color in the middle. As you draw out the gradient line, the background colors extend (from center) in a linear direction to the right and left. Ideal for creating a cylinder appearance.

• Shape - Radial: Instead of a straight (linear) line, a circle gradient is produced. The foreground color is in the center and transitions to the background color.
• Shape - Square: As its name implies… it will be a square shape.
• Shape - Conical: Gives the impression of looking down the tip of a cone.

• Shape - Shaped: Takes on the shape of a pyramid.
• Shape - Spiral: This creates a spiral gradient. The width of the spiral repeats, and its width is determined by the length of the line you draw.

Repeat

These options provide a way to "repeat" the gradient in different forms.

• None: This is the default setting.
• Sawtooth Wave: This pattern begins with the foreground, transitions to the background, and then starts over with the foreground.
• Triangular Wave: This pattern starts with the foreground, transitions to the background, and then transitions back to the foreground.
• Truncate: the areas before and after the endpoints are shortened.

Additional Settings

• Offset: Gives you control over the slope of the gradient. In other words, it determines how far from where you clicked (for the starting point) when the gradient will begin… either closer to or farther away from the starting point.
• Dithering: Uses more shades of hues to create a smoother transition.
• Adaptive Supersampling: This is an advanced method of creating a smooth transition of color.
• Instant Mode: This reverts back to how the Gradient tool behaved in GIMP 2.8. Which is the line you draw out will disappear after releasing the mouse button. This setting can also be activated by holding down the Shift key before drawing the line.
• Modify Active Gradient: Again, this will revert back to the behavior of 2.8… which is you'll be unable to automatically edit the gradient after you finish drawing the line.

The Gradient Panel

Although you can access and see a preview of all premade gradients in the Tool Options panel, another dedicated panel is easier to work with. Go to Windows > Dockable Dialogs > Gradients to open its panel.

Inside you'll see a list of all premade gradients. At the top/right of the panel, you'll see a left-pointing arrow. Click on it. This will reveal a pop-up menu to customize the panel. Additional items are hidden away in a drop-down list and can be revealed when hovering over it.

You'll find options to edit a gradient at the bottom of the Gradient panel, create a new one, duplicate, delete, and refresh the panel.

How To Create Your Own Gradient in GIMP

Editing an existing gradient and creating a new one consists of the same steps. Let's look at how to create a new one. Click the second icon from the left at the bottom of the panel. This will reveal the Gradient Editor.

By default, you'll have a black to white gradient. Just under the gradient is a bar with three triangle markers; black, white, and black again. These represent how the gradient transitions from one color to the next. Grab the middle marker and move it to the left and right to see how it adjusts the gradient.

Two add colors of your choice, right-click on the gradient to reveal a new drop-down list menu. The menu list is divided up into 4 (6 total) main sections.

• Left + Right Color Type: Use these two sections to update the left and right side colors.
• Gradient Blend + Coloring: Advanced settings that don't need to be updated unless you have a specific reason.
• Segments: Use this section to add or divide your gradient into more segments to add more colors to your gradient.
• Truncate: the areas before and after the endpoints are shortened.

How The Gradient Tool Works

First, you'll grab the Gradient tool with (G). Then make your selections in the Tool Options. To add your gradient, click and drag on your canvas to draw out a line. Once you release your mouse button, the line is left behind. Before the gradient is finalized, you can edit it.

The length of the line determines how many hues are used from the color transition. The shorter the line, the fewer the colors and the more abrupt the change will be. A longer line creates a smoother transition. The angle of your line determines the direction of the gradient.

To edit your gradient, grab either endpoint to alter the angle and or length. To update the hues, choose a new one for the foreground and or background colors. In the top right, you'll see a small box labeled "End Endpoint."

From here, you can also set your new color from the Color box. To the right, click on "Fixed" to add your new color accordingly. Make sure to click on the endpoint the color should be added to. To finalize your gradient, hit Enter or Return.

More Than Two Hues

If your gradient has more than two colors, the line you draw out will have additional nodes. These nodes can be readjusted along the line to change the length of the color gradient. To adjust them, click and drag accordingly. If it doesn't move, make sure to turn off the "Modify active gradient" option in the Tool Options.

What's Next?

The Gradient tool is ideal for both photographers and graphic designers. It all depends on what you require the tool to do for your image or design. One thing is for sure, it's even more useful with Layer Masks.

Are you ready to elevate your GIMP image editing skills? If so, you'll be amazed by these free tutorials. Oh, and don't forget these too.

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How to Use Gradient in in Design

Source: https://parkerphotographic.com/how-to-use-the-gradient-tool-in-gimp/

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