Gradients Manual for Photoshop (R) CS5 CS4 CS3 CS2 CS1 7 6 and Photoshop (R) Elements

GRADIENTS MANUALfor Photoshop ® and Photoshop ® Elements

Andrew Buckle

Introduction

This is the manual / documentation notes for the use of the gradients packs from graphicxtras.com. The manual also describes the general use of gradients in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements as well.

If you have purchased one of the gradients packs from graphicxtras, thanks. If you are just consulting this documentation for some ideas on how to use gradients or how to install them, I hope the notes prove of some use.

All the gradients displayed in this manual are from graphicxtras.com

Andrew

fig. Gradient from gradients pack 3 applied twice in exclusion mode

fig. Gradient from gradients pack 3applied in exclusion mode and then overlay

fig. Gradient from gradients pack 3 applied in darken blending mode

Installation of gradients

Download:

Please extract the gradient files from the zip and place in the gradients for Photoshop ® and Photoshop ® Elements folder

CD:

If you receive the gradients on CD (as part of a special deal bundle), please just drag / copy the GRD files from the CD to the install location of the gradients.

GRD

Gradients are stored in GRD files.

Presets folder

You may wish to place the gradients in the default location for the gradients presets (listed below) but you might prefer to place them in a separate folder (if you have Photo-shop) and use the load / replace and browse for the files. You may prefer this option if you have lots and lots of gradients files and the gradient drop down list becomes too long (off the screen). If you place them in the applica-tions (mac) or program files (PC) folders then you might have to enter your admin username and password, this is normal

file > open

With more recent versions of Photoshop and Elements, you can also just use the file > open command to load the GRD gradient file. OR just double click the GRD file

fig. One possible location for the install isthe gradients folder (default location)

fig. The gradients above are the default gradients that come with CS4, other gradientscan be added there

Or just load the GRD files via file > open ordouble click the GRD file

Install default location for gra-dients

Photoshop ® CS4 PC Photoshop CS 4: c:\program files\adobe\adobe photoshop CS 4\presets\gradientsMAC OS X Photoshop CS 4 HD:applications:adobe photoshop CS 4:presets:gradients



Photoshop ® CSPC Photoshop CS: c:\program files\adobe\photoshop CS\presets\gradientsMAC OS X Photoshop CS HD:applications:adobe photoshop CS:presets:gradients

ElementsPC Photoshop Elements c:\program files\adobe\Photoshop Elements 5.0\presets\gradients and the equivalents for 8 7 6, 4, 3, 2, 1 as well as Photoshop 7 and 6

fig. Access the gradients via the dropdown (if in the presets section) or via load / replaceon the gradients palette

fig. Or access the gradients via the preset manager

fig. Select the gradients via the preset manager dropdown

Photoshop Elements specific

The GRD file can be loaded in gradients folder of presets

Select the gradients tool

However, the gradients can be loaded and replaced from any folder using the dropdown menu in the gradients palette (unlike some of the presets)

If the gradients file is located in the presets gradients folder then it will also appear directly in the palette dropdown menu

Or use the file > open command in more recent versions (or double click the GRD file)

Another approach to loading the gradients: presets manager. Access via the edit menu > preset manager

Once loaded, access the gradients via the gradients tool and palette. Note, there maybe a limit on the number of gradients you can add to the palette at any one time (this varies from version to version)

As with Photoshop, you can use various fea-tures of the gradients such as the transpar-ency to create unusual and interesting effects (that might be tricky to create by plug-ins or using the normal features of Photoshop). The gradients are a powerhouse of creative possi-bilities

fig. Place the GRD gradients here for Photoshop Elements

fig. Or use file > open

fig. Or access via the presetsmanager (gradients)

fig. Or access via the gradients palette

Gradients serial number

Please store the serial for safe keeping and future reference (if you have purchased a set). The folder is normally Serial number - please store, the folder hold the serial number text file.

Gradients samplers / demos

If you are using the samplers, the samplers are royalty-free and can be used based on the license in commercial and non-commercial work. The samplers are a very very small selection of the material available in the gradients collection to be found on the graphicxtras.com site

fig. Gradients re-applied using overlaymode (gradients pack 3)

fig. Difference mode (radial) usinggradient from gradients pack 3

fig. Difference mode (diamond) usinggradient 3 pack gradient

fig. Exclusion mode and gradient pack3 gradient

fig. Exclusion mode / gradient 3 pack

Accessing the gradients in Pho-toshop

Access them via the gradients tool (gradients dropdown / palette appears at the top of the screen) as well as via the layer effects (a number of the options such as stroke) and also via the fill new layer.

fig. Fills can be applied here to the layer or selected region

fig. Fill a selected region with the fill new layer > gradient

fig. Complementary color gradient from gradients pack 3

fig. Gradient from gradients pack 3 applied to a circularselection

fig. Same gradient as above appliedto a square selection (inverted)

Additional items from graphicxtras.com

The site also includes brushes for Photoshop, custom shapes, patterns, plug-ins, displace-ment maps, and other add-ons for Photoshop ® and Photoshop elements. Different sets of gradients are also available. For more infor-mation, please check out the graphicxtras.com site

Also, you can find many items from graphicxtras.com on digiscrapwarehouse.com and Mega Doodle Inspired and Your Digital Designers and also Shareit.com

If you like plug-ins, you might like to check out our plug-ins section

Installation issues with the gradients

If you have problems installing or using this product, please e-mail our tech support at [email protected] Or http://www.graphicxtras.com or send some comments to our forum (via the front page of the graphicxtras site)

Comments about the gradients

If you have any suggestions to how we can improve our products or manual, or if there is something that is hard to understand or badly stated, please contact us and we will try to correct any errors or misunderstandings in the next release of the manual. It is always great to hear your feedback.

fig. Reflected gradient settingfor gradient from pack 1

fig. Reflected gradient from pack 1

fig. Reflected gradient from pack 1

System requirements

Applications supported - Adobe ® Photoshop ® CS1 CS2 CS3 CS4 6 7 Photoshop ® Elements 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 - Microsoft ® Windows 98, XP, 2000, Vista and NT, ME, Windows 7 + MAC OS X (10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6) The gradients will not work in other applications (unless you know of some?)

Minimum requirements

At least 128 MB of memory, though some operations might require a lot more.

Trademarks

The gradients were created by Andrew Buckle, and copyright 2000-2009 Andrew Buckle and Abneil Software Ltd.

All products mentioned in this manual are trademarked or probably trademarked by their respective owners. Illustrator and Photo-shop and Adobe and After Effects are regis-tered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorpo-rated.

Adobe product screen shot(s) reprinted with permission from Adobe Systems Incorporated.

We have no connection whatsoever with Adobe Systems Incorporated

Company Address

Telephone: UK 01622 688 375http://[email protected]

fig. Gradient from pack 4: radial design

fig. Gradient from pack 4, repeat applies of circles

fig. Gradient diamond applied quadrant style (pack 4)

Gradient books

For the use of the gradients, please consult your Photoshop ® manual or various articles on the subject of gradients or reference books on the subject such as the Scott Kelby Photoshop books.

There are also many new magazine out such as Photoshop Creative and Arts Projects and Layers, these regularly run articles on how to use the gradients

fig. Subtle gradients from the gradients pack 2

fig. Another subtle color gradient from gradientspack 2.

Gradient tool

Gradients can be used in a number of ways, the gradient tool is probably the best tool to tryout the gradients.

Select a gradient, select a start position on the document and drag the cursor to a new position, and release the mouse to apply the gradient.

This can be repeated with different gradients, different blending modes, different re-applies with the same blending mode (depending on the gradient's transparency) and more. The gradient can be applied to either to the expanse of the document or you can localize the application of color or effect of the gradi-ent.

The gradient can be applied in reverse, the reverse order of the gradient colors: check the reverse box

For a smooth (smoother) gradient, check the dither

To use transparency mask, check the trans-parency box.

Also, hold the SHIFT key down to constrain the the angle to 45 degree increments.

fig. Gradient tool in Photoshop

fig. Gradient tool in Photoshop Elements

fig. Options available

Gradient tool / blending modes mixing

Or using many different blending modes and slightly offset the tool (lighten, multiply and overlay were used) below

Exclusion blending mode is always useful for creating some surreal blurry designs with nearly any gradient

Combining gradients can lead to many differ-ent discoveries. The gradients can be com-bined 100s and 100s of ways and if you reach a messy design, you can always just re-apply the normal gradient replacing any of your artistic adventures. Subtle changes can result in very unusual designs.

The gradient blending modes can also be applied to a basic picture such as an instant red nose from a cold

fig. Gradient source (from gradientspack 3)

fig. Gradient applied at different anglein blending mode ‘difference’

fig. Gradients applied using exclusionmode.

Gradients / opacity

The gradients can be applied with different opacities. The gradient can be applied using 100% opacity but subtle color additions can be applied using 5% opacity (you can also just use the fade command after the event)

Repeat gradients can be applied with a low setting, different blending modes used and more.

fig. Change the opacity of the gradient via the opacity setting at the top of the screen

fig. Set to 16%, the gradient can be applied overand over adding a subtle gradient effect (thoughI must admit, it is hard to determine at times the effect - very dependent on the transparencystops in the gradient)

fig. Opacity set to 50% and a red gradient re-applied.

fig. Golden gradient re-applied overand over

Different styles of gradient can be applied

Different gradient applies are available, select via the top bar

Linear gradient

The standard / default gradient is the linear gradient. The gradient can be applied at any angle and started at any point as well as being applied (via the gradient tool) to a certain length (small or large)

fig. Linear gradient selected via thetop menu bar

fig. Linear gradient applied horizontally fig. Linear gradient applied vertically

fig. Diagonal gradient applied fig. Linear gradient applied to a selectiondiagonally and then applied in the reverse direction to the inverse selectedarea

Radial gradient

The next gradient setting on from the linear gradient is the ‘Radial Gradient’ setting. Great for circular designs (though sadly doesn’t have an aspect features as in Illustra-tor). The gradient can be modified by its length as well as start position, not by its angle.

fig. Radial gradient applied from the center

fig. Radial gradient applied from top right

fig. Radial gradient applied from the center bottom

fig. Radial gradient applied from top center and bottom center but in difference mode

fig. Radial gradient applied, short length

Reflected gradient

Shades based on symmetry (from starting point). Useful for the creation of patterns (if you can judge the exact center of the docu-ment so the symmetry matches on both sides), though in many cases if the color is a match then it is not an issue to be an exact center.

fig, Reflected gradient (gradients pack 3)

fig. Reflected gradient

fig. Reflected gradientfig. Reflected gradient

Angle gradient

Counterclockwise shading around center / start point. Personally my least used of the gradients but it has uses. Using the gradients from corner works better than from the center and also combinations of the angle gradients can be used to create unusual design such as applying the angle gradient from all the corners (useful for pattern designs as well), though does require trans-parency / blending modes

fig. Basic angle gradient

fig. Center gradient

fig. Gradient from the center again

fig. More dramatic is to use the angle from theedge or the corners

fig. Even more dramatic is to use the gradients in combination, perhaps from all the corners (works if transparency included)

Diamond gradient

Each style has its own unique feature. Dia-mond is very useful for squares as well as diamonds depending on the application angle.The end point defines the corner of the diamond (or square)

fig. Constrain using the shift anddraw diagonally.

fig. Constrain using the shift and then draw horizontally or vertically

fig. Draw diamond gradient from acorner

fig. Draw a diamond gradient from four corners (requires transparencystops OR blending modes etc)

fig. Diamond gradients applied using difference blending mode

Gradients / fill Layer

Gradients can also be applied as a new fill layer which brings additional options such as scaling of the gradient as well as angling the gradient and applying a style such as [ linear ] [ radial ] [ angle ] [ reflected ] and [ diamond ] The gradient can also be moved from the initial position to a new position, useful for all styles but in particular for diamond, angle and radial.

Again, multiple new fill layers can be added, different angles and scaling and blending can be applied to each.

To apply an effect to the layer, you will first need to rasterize the fill layer content and then apply the effect.

The layer can be modified by applying / adding an adjustment layer above the fill layer content and then modifying the hue, saturation, etc of the gradient.

To transform the gradient, such as apply a perspective or distortion to the gradient, you will first have to rasterize the fill content.

Layer effects cannot be applied to the fill gradient layer until the content is rasterized. Rasterize the fill content and then apply a bevel, glow, drop shadow etc as required. Gradients with transparency work best, such as the one below, creating a bevel / web button

fig. The layercan be appliedusing differentblending modessuch as differenceor darken

fig. The gradient is a layer, thelayer can be position below orabove layers as required

fig. Create new fill layer

fig. Gradient fill has scale setting(useful) as well as style and you can change the gradient

Gradient overlay / layer ef-fects

Gradients can also be used throughout the layer effects in the gradient overlay (again remembering that the gradient can be used in conjunction with the other effects or differ-ent modes set.

Gradients can also be used in the inner or outer glow layer effects settings to create some really oddball ‘fills’ for layer shapes, again taking different modes into effect as well

Or gradient can be used as a stroke to create colorful rims around any shape. Select a shape and apply layer effect, select the stroke option and set the stroke to gradient. Set the gradient to the required gradient. Change the size of the stroke and set the style to shape burst

fig. Gradients can be used in gradient overlay, outer glow etc

fig. Select layer effect via the layer effects menu

fig. Style settings in Elements arelimited.

fig. Styles palette (third party ones can only beaccessed while the custom shapes etc tool is active - displays the styles palette on the top bar andyou can select from the right side menu the stylesadded to the presets folder, the styles can includegradients (not displayed in the style settings opposite)

Layers / gradients

Multiple layers and different modes or differ-ent gradients can be used to create fascinat-ing color effects.

Create a gradient on one layer, create a different (or the same gradient) on a differ-ent layer and then combine the two (or more) using different blending modes via the palette.

Or set the opacity of the layers to allow more or less of the gradient through

Or modify the blending of the layers via layer style dialog, setting the advanced blending and blend if etc.

fig. Gradients can be used via a style in Photoshop Elements though not via the standard effects menu - only via the customshapes tool and the dropdown / palette

fig. Opacity and repeat applies of gradient from gradients pack 3

fig. Re-applying gradients from gradientspack 3 using difference mode

fig. Difference mode and a blur (gradientspack 3)

Gradients / Overlay

You can also add a basic color overlay to any image using the gradients. Select a gradient with transparency or set the opacity to say 10 % or 20% and apply the gradient to an image. This approach applies a subtle color overlay to the image. An overlay can also be created by applying a gradient using the blending mode overlay

fig. Overlay of 40% gradient

fig. Overlay of 40% gradient

fig. Overlay darken mode

fig. Darken gradient

fig. Lighten mode for gradient fromgradients pack 3

Gradients / styles / brush Strokes: gradient overlay

Create a new layer, apply brush stroke and then set the layer effects to gradient overlay to apply a gradient to a localized area of an image

fig. Create a new layer

fig. Set the layer effect to gradient overlay andapply a gradient from one of the gradient pack 1

fig. Apply brush stroke using black to layer effect gradient layer

Gradients / gradient map

Use gradients in the gradient map function found in the image > adjustment menu. Useful for creating truly wow color effects. Different color effects using different gradi-ents.

Gradient map sadly only uses a part of the gradient information. The input gradients displayed had a lot more complexity but most of the stop information has been removed.

Adjustment layer ‘gradient map’ is also avail-able via the layer palette (bottom -> adjust-ment layers)

fig. Apply the gradient using the gradientmap function, find the gradient map in theimage > adjustments menu

fig. Access the gradient map functionvia the adjustments menu

fig. Gradient map applied to image

fig. Apply gradient map adjustment layer also

Gradients / frames

The gradients can be used as a frame. There are a number of ways to add a frame gradient to an image. A simple way is just to create the gradient as a background and add the image on top of the gradient layer. Another way is to use the gradient in the quick mask mode. Another way is to draw a gradient and then select the inner part of the gradient design, invert the selection and copy the selection and paste as a new layer on top of the image. Another possible approach is to use the gradient stops itself. If the right side of the gradient has an opacity of 0% (you can always add this to any gradient), the radial gradient can be applied as a frame to an image, the central part will show the underly-ing image. Diamond gradients also work well as a frame.

fig. Just add the image to a circular gradient (background)

fig. Create a radial gradient, use the selection toolto create a centre area, invert selection and copyPaste copied region over image

fig. Some of the frames (especially if using transparency) can be used to create a quick frame. If the right side of the gradient is transparent then you can use it to create a frame (you canalways just add a transparency stop and set the opacity to 0%)

Gradients/ tweaking stops

The gradients can be modified easily via the gradient palette. Click on the gradient to display the color stops and transparency information. Either add or remove stops etc or move the existing stops or change the color of individual stops.

The gradient can be radically changed just by dragging a single stop (opacity or color).

The midpoint is also useful, it sharpens or blurs the gradient (definitely useful for line and frame designs)

fig. Click the gradient to edit the gradient.You can then edit the stops, delete stops, move them etc (transparencyand positions of the color stops)

fig. The top of the gradient bar is the transparencyopacity, the bottom half for the color. Select them and move (select the red and move right, select theblack to move left or right). You can change the color,delete etc. The opacity / transparency stops can alsobe moved. The midpoint or sharpness / blur of thestops can also be altered. You have to have 2 or more stops in a gradient.

fig. Click on the top of the gradientbar to add, shift the transparency stops (change the value via the opacity setting). Set to 100%, opaqueSet to 0%, transparent

Gradients / selections

Or gradients can be applied depending on different areas selected, especially useful and colorful when used with the custom shapes (also from graphicxtras) / paths and selection to create truly awesome gradient based imagery. Use the gradient with a selection, simply use the fill command to different areas of the selection.

Or fill a text selection with a gradient (invert to fill the rest of the document with the same or different gradient at the same or different angle and length and perhaps gradient option

Select the horizontal type mask tool to create the text as a selection

fig. Invert selection and then fill with gradient

fig. Select regions of an image andthen fill with the gradient, same or different or different blending modesetc

fig. Apply different gradients to differentselected regions

fig. Select text andfill

Gradients / scripts

Gradient information can also be captured using the scripting listener plug-in, the script can be VB (visual basic) or JS (Javascript) . You can then modify the script file and play back the script to create a near infinite range of color designs. Scripts can also be used to create new gradients (as with this set!)

fig. Example of a script for creating a gradient using various functions of javascript

Gradients / brush stroke

Use a gradient as a source for a brush stroke. Set an image to white, apply the gradient (a gradient with transparency is more useful here) and then use the define brush command to capture the gradient brush stroke and then apply the brush stroke

A wide variety of different brush strokes can be created using gradients.

fig. Source gradient from the gradients pack 1Use this for the define brush command

fig. Define brush from the gradient

fig. Gradient applied as a brush without any changeof settings (black foreground color)

fig. Brush applied using hue jitter and scattering

Gradients / channels

Use the gradients in different color channels. Select the blue channel and apply and then change gradient and apply to the green chan-nel and so on. The gradients can also be applied to different color channels in differ-ent color modes such as LAB and CMYK as well as RGB.

Multiple channels (excluding 1) can be selected as well

fig. Gradient applied in diamond mode

fig. Gradient applied in different ways (and start positions)in each channel.

fig. Gradient via channels

fig. Gradient via different appliedgradient to channels

Gradients / color modes

Use the gradients in different color modes such as LAB mode or CMYK and apply the gradient using the entire color channels or individually

fig. Gradient in RGB (gradient from gradient pack 1)

fig. Change color mode via image menu

fig. Same gradient but using channelsin CMYK mode

fig. Color channels in LAB mode

fig. Same gradient but in grayscale

Gradients / plug-in effects

Gradients can be combined with plug-in effects. Select the gradient tool, apply the gradient, and then apply the plug-in effect, this sequence can be repeated creating unusual layered gradient designs. Favorite of mine is combinations of noise, blur and gradi-ents.

fig. Gradient with watercolor plugin applied

fig. Tiles plugin applied

fig. Gradient from gradient pack 1 beforeeffects applied

fig. Twirl plugin applied

fig. Crystallize plugin effect applied

Gradients / match color

Use the gradients as a source file for the match color plug-in, add color to an image based on the color of the gradient. Match color is in the adjustments section (image menu)

fig. Gradient from gradient pack 1

fig. Match color (image menu) Set the source to the gradient and set the luminanceand intensity etc

fig. Image with match color applied using gradient(via match color)

Gradients / patterns

You can use the gradient also as a source for patterns or displacements. Apply the gradient or multiple gradients combined, use a tile tool such as Terrazzo or Tilemaker (native ImageReady plug-in) and then define a pat-tern using the tiled gradient. Apply as a pat-tern in layer effects or pattern fill content

Another way to create a tile for a pattern, select a quarter of the design and then copy and paste the three corners (reflected) to create a seamless design

fig. Gradient applied (pack 1 gradient)

fig. Create a tile via copying aquarter of the design

fig. Define pattern via edit menu

fig. Use layer > new fill layer > patternor apply using layer effects pattern overlay

fig. Pattern set to 25% fill

Gradients and masks

Click the edit in quick mask mode and apply a gradient or two and then return to normal edit mode. Instant selection. Apply an effect or even apply a gradient to the masked or inverted masked region.

fig. Gradient source (from pack 2)

fig. Click quick mask modeand then apply gradient to themask

fig. Exit the quick mask mode, you have a selection

fig. Apply effect (watercolor) to theselected area

Gradient / new channel (alpha)

Go to the channel palette and create a new channel. Fill the channel with a gradient. Load selection using the alpha channel. Apply a gradient or effects to the selected or inverted selection region

fig. Original source gradient from gradients pack 2

fig. Create new channel

fig. Select channel (alpha) and apply gradient

fig. Load selection via selection menu(alpha channel) fig. Effects and gradients applied to the

selected region of an image (based on the gradient)

Gradient and displacement maps

You can also apply a displacement map or glass effect to a gradient via the distort menu.

The gradient can also be used to create a new displacement map. Apply a gradient using methods mentioned earlier. Use the tile maker plug-in to create a tile (or a third party pattern tool) and then save that as a PSD file and apply to any image

Apply the displacement map in the displace filter, glass filter, filter gallery, texturizer etc

fig. Gradient from pack 1 before glasseffect

fig. Frosted glass applied to gradient

fig. The gradients can be used as a source for glass or displace filter. Use the reflected gradient (or any of the others) to createtiles and then saved to PSD and then use displace / glass filters to load the map filesMany different designs can be created even from a basic gradient

Gradients and actions

Gradients can be applied via an action palette. Record a gradient (and repeat gradi-ents) combined with effects etc and then re-apply using the action palette

fig. Gradients are recordable, informationconcerning gradient as well as positionand length , midpoints, stops etc arestored

fig. Gradient action applied oncefig. Gradient action re-applied threetimes

fig. Gradient action repeated mixedwith blurs etc

fig. Gradient action repeated andcolor manipulation applied

Gradients and Pixel Bender

A very useful plug-in for Photoshop is the Pixel Bender. The tool is not included in Photoshop but the plugin can be downloaded from the Adobe site. The gradient source files can be manipulated in 100s of ways using the Pixel bender presets such as smudge, convergence etc. The filter effects can be combined in zillions of ways

fig. A gradient from pack 1 turned into a 70sTV graphic

fig. Powerful (though still relatively unknown) plugin tool from Adobe: Pixel Bender. Plug-in manipulating the pixels of a gradient from pack 1

fig. Spherize filter applied

fig. Pixelate pixel bender filterapplied to gradient blend

Gradients and brushes and stroke layer effect

The gradient can be added to a layer effect stroke setting, any brush strokes applied to the layer (depending on the color of the brush stroke) will take on the gradient stroke. The gradient brush stroke does require a little trial and error depending on the gradient and the effect to be achieved. The gradient can be applied outer / inside (my favorite) or center as well as a shape burst or radial etc setting.

fig. The layer effect is set with a stroke setting and shape burst and inside - gradient from gradients pack 1

fig. Brush applied with layer effect (stroke) and color set to black.

Gradients and layers and frames

Another way to create a quick frame is to use a layer effect. Create a new layer and fill with black. Go to the layer styles dialog (layers menu) and then stroke setting, set to inside position and set size. Then go to the blending options and set the fill opacity to 0% to allow for the layer below to be seen.

fig. Create new layer for the frame. Set the whole frame to black

Set the fill opacity to 0 to allow for the underlyingimage to be seen - frame

fig. Stroke settings: set the gradient and set the styleto shapeburst or linear or radial etc and the scale andsize

fig. End result frame using linear gradient (gradientfrom gradient pack)fig. Instead of using linear, the shapeburst

is used.

Gradients and text

Use the gradients to create colorful text. Either add a gradient to text as a layer OR via a selection OR via layer styles (there are probably a few other ways, as with most things in Photoshop)

fig. Text with a gradient applied using the layers effect dialog (layers menu) andgradient overlay

fig. Text with a gradient applied via the stroke layer effects dialog - using theshapeburst setting and center style

fig. Gradient applied to the selected area (the T design)

fig. The color of the text is unchangedbut a layer > new fill is applied. In thiscase the fill layer is set to differenceblending mode

Gradients and 3D (Extended)

Use a layer with a gradient and then modify the layer in 3D (extended only)

Go to the 3D menu and select new 3D post-card from layer then go to the 3D tools such as 3D rotate

fig. Original gradient fill layer

fig. Layer is rotated using the 3D rotate tool (sadly thegradient doesn’t extend forever as a 3D gradient)

Gradient and 3D (Extended)

Create a layer with a gradient (layers menu or use the gradient tool - you could also combine different gradients etc)

Then go to the 3D menu and select new shape from layer (cylinder etc)

fig. Layer before being turned into a new shape

fig. Layer has been converted into a 3D shapevia the new shape from layer menu (cylinder wasselected but there are other types)

fig. Layer turned into a spherical panorama (quite an interest shape asyou can use it to create some truly interesting and weird color effectsfrom a gradient) - using the 3D rotate etc tools

fig. As a ring.


The new shape from layer also can be used in combination with other layers (same or different gradient filled or perhaps with a shape etc) and then combining using different blending modes to the gradient layers. You can then use the 3D rotate and pan etc tools to transform and blending the layers to create many different weird and wonderful shape designs from basic gradients.

fig. Using the gradient from the previouspage but now two gradients converted to3D spherical panoramas and blending modesof difference - explore many different color effects in seconds (could be exclusion, darken as well) and also you couldalso combine even more gradients or singlecolor or patterns into the design.

fig. Same gradients, subtle rotate in 3D

fig. Subtle changes result in differentgradient combinations

fig. Exclusion 3D layers


Create a gradient on a new layer (either via the fill layer or gradient tool)

3D menu > New mesh from grayscale(select sphere etc)

Save the design as a 3D model for use in 3D applications etc

fig. Original source gradient on layer

fig. 3D menu > new mesh fromgrayscale. Use this design to export as OBJ etc

fig. 3D rotate the mesh

fig. Effects can be applied to the mesh such as noise filter

Animations

The gradients can be used in animations. Add the gradients to layers and then go to the animation palette and use the make frames from layers to create gradient frames.

fig. Animation palette and make frames function

fig. Animation from the gradient

Examples of the gradients from the gradients packs

The following pages show the gradients from the various gradients packs from graphicxtras.com

Documents

Gradients Manual for Photoshop (R) CS5 CS4 CS3 CS2 CS1 7 6 and Photoshop (R) Elements