The Gradient Tool
The Gradient Tool
Use the Gradient Tool to fill your images, layers or selections with smooth multiple-color blends called gradients. A simple gradient is usually made of two colors fading into each other, but there can be more advanced gradients consisting of many colors and even transparency.
Step 1
Create a new image at a preferred size in Pixelmator.
Step 2
Click to select the Gradient Tool (G) in the Tools palette.
Step 3
Click to select a gradient preset in the Gradients palette (View > Show Gradients).
The Gradient Tool icon in the Tools palette shows which gradient preset is currently selected in the Gradients palette.
Step 4
To apply a gradient, click anywhere on the image to set the starting point. Then, move your mouse to another location and click again to set the ending point.
Step 5
To edit a gradient preset, double-click on it in the Gradients palette. The Gradient settings appear.
Step 6
Choose a gradient type by clicking on its icon:
- Linear – Blends colors along a line.
- Radial – Blends colors in a circular pattern.
- Angle – Blends colors in a sweep.
Step 7
A gradient consists of two or more Color Stops. A gradient can be easily modified by adding, removing, or positioning Color Stops. You can also change the color and transparency of a Color Stop, or reverse its colors.
- To add a new Color Stop, drag the pointer over to the gradient slider. A plus sign appears next to the pointer. Click to add a Color Stop.
- To remove a Color Stop, simply drag it out of the Gradient settings.
- In order to move a Color Stop, click and drag to position it anywhere in the Gradient settings.
- To change the color of a Color Stop, click on it and select the desired color in the appeared Colors palette.
The transparency of a Color Stop can be modified as well. Drag the Opacity slider in the Colors palette to reduce or increase the transparency of a color.
- To reverse colors, click the Action button in the Tool Options bar and choose Reversed Direction.
Step 8
To create a new gradient preset, click the Action button in the Gradients palette and choose New Gradient. Double-click the gradient preset to set the colors for the gradient.
To remove an unwanted gradient preset from the Gradients palette, click the Action button in the Gradients palette and choose Remove Gradient.
In the Action menu, you may choose to duplicate or import gradient as well, if necessary.
Step 9
What’s more, once you’ve created a gradient, you can easily share it with others. Simply drag and drop your gradient preset from the Gradients palette onto your Desktop. The exported gradient's icon shows a preview of the exported gradient.
It would be awesome if the gradient uses the front- and backcolor as the gradientcolors.
Very cool – very easy to understand tutorial. Thank you!
Hi
Why can’t you use your front- and backgroundcolor when applying a gradient. It’s pretty frustrating!
yeah, fore- and backgroundcolor as default for gradient would simplify my workprocess. nice work though
I would also request the gradient from fore- to bg color. This is really needed.
Make that three (3) requests for gradient as fore-and background color, would be terrific! Something to think about at least! Thanks.
Make it 4 requests for using Fore-Background colors in the Gradient creator.
Please update “fore and background color gradient”. That would be awesome.
Make that 6. It is extremely counter-intuitive as it is now. I spent a good 15 minutes trying to figure it out
Please bring back the ability to view radial and angled gradients while adjusting them!
Can gradients be used for shapes? When will this be available?
+1 on the Gradients for shapes. Would love that to be a simple fill option. Something similar to the graphic inspector in iWork.
how do u apply a gradient to text body?
@ rich
Add a new layer above the Type layer. Fill it with the Gradient Tool. Then, add the Clipping Mask to the gradient layer.
[...] Make a Yellow-Orange-Red linear gradient in the Gradients pallet. (For help with the Gradient Tool, click here.) [...]
[...] Now, create a new gradient in the Gradients palette, setting the two end color stops to white and the middle color stop to black. Use the image below as a reference. If you need help creating a new gradient, click here [...]
Great, works great and I love the effects you can create with this tool. Now if could only work with shapes, then it would be truly awesome.