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     <a href="WSfd1234e1c4b69f30ea53e41001031ab64-77e1a.html"><b>Gradients</b></a> 
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                <h1>
                    Apply a gradient fill
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                <div><div class="section"><p>The
Gradient tool creates a gradual blend between multiple colors. You
can choose from preset gradient fills or create your own. </p>
<div class="note"><span class="notetitle">Note:  </span>The Gradient tool cannot be used with bitmap or
indexed-color images.</div>
<p>You
fill an area with a gradient by dragging in the image. The starting
point (where the mouse is pressed) and ending point (where the mouse
is released) affect the gradient appearance, depending on the Gradient
tool used.</p>
</div>
<ol><li class="stepexpand"><span>To
fill part of the image, select the desired area. Otherwise, the
gradient fill is applied to the entire active layer. </span></li>
<li class="stepexpand"><span>Select the Gradient tool&#160;<img src="images/P_Gradient_Lg_N.png" />.</span></li>
<li class="stepexpand"><span>Choose a gradient fill in the options bar:</span><ul><li><p>Click the triangle next to the gradient
sample to pick a preset gradient fill.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Click inside the gradient sample to view the Gradient
Editor. Select a preset gradient fill, or create a new gradient
fill. Then click&#160;OK. (See <a href="WSfd1234e1c4b69f30ea53e41001031ab64-77dea.html">Create a smooth gradient</a>.)</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="stepexpand"><span>Select an option for applying the gradient fill in the
options bar:</span> <dl><dt class="dlterm">Linear gradient&#160;<img src="images/P_GradientLinear_Md_N.png" /></dt>
<dd>Shades from the starting point to the ending point in
a straight line.</dd><p class="dlseparator"></p><dt class="dlterm">Radial
gradient&#160;<img src="images/P_GradientRadial_Md_N.png" /></dt>
<dd>Shades from the starting point to the ending point in
a circular pattern.</dd><p class="dlseparator"></p><dt class="dlterm">Angle
gradient&#160;<img src="images/P_GradientAngle_Md_N.png" /></dt>
<dd>Shades in a counterclockwise sweep around the starting point. </dd><p class="dlseparator"></p><dt class="dlterm">Reflected
gradient&#160;<img src="images/P_GradientReflected_Md_N.png" /></dt>
<dd>Shades using symmetric linear gradients on either side of
the starting point.</dd><p class="dlseparator"></p><dt class="dlterm">Diamond
gradient&#160;<img src="images/P_GradientDiamond_Md_N.png" /></dt>
<dd>Shades from the starting point outward in a diamond pattern.
The ending point defines one corner of the diamond.</dd><p class="dlseparator"></p></dl>
</li>
<li class="stepexpand"><span>Do the following in the options bar:</span><ul><li><p>Specify a blending mode and opacity for
the paint. (See <a href="WSfd1234e1c4b69f30ea53e41001031ab64-77e9a.html">List of blending modes</a>.)</p>
</li>
<li><p>To reverse the order of colors in the gradient fill,
select Reverse.</p>
</li>
<li><p>To create a smoother blend with less banding, select
Dither.</p>
</li>
<li><p>To use a transparency mask for the gradient fill,
select Transparency. (See <a href="WSfd1234e1c4b69f30ea53e41001031ab64-77dda.html">Specify the gradient transparency</a>.)</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li class="stepexpand"><span>Position the pointer in the image where you want to set
the starting point of the gradient, and drag to define the ending
point. To constrain the line angle to a multiple of 45°, hold down
Shift as you drag.</span></li>
</ol>
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