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Rename Photos in the Organizer in Photoshop Elements – Instructions

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Rename Photos in the Organizer in Photoshop Elements: Overview

            You can rename photos in the Organizer in Photoshop Elements. An important part of organizing media files is giving the files names that easily let you find them when needed. You should rename files to give them a unique name that easily shows their content. The name should also follow your existing file naming structures.

            Many users rename photos to add descriptive data to the name of the photo file. This can include things like the place or date of the photo. You can also add more descriptive information using tags and keywords. However, the actual file name itself is also an invaluable organizational tool. The file name lets you easily find and organize your photos both in Photoshop Elements and within your operating system.

            To rename photos in the Organizer in Photoshop Elements, select the media file to rename within the Organizer window. Then select “File| Rename…” from the Menu Bar. Type the new name of the file into the “New Name” field within the “Rename” dialog box. Then click the “OK” button.

Rename Photos in the Organizer in Photoshop Elements - Instructions: A picture of a user renaming a photo in Photoshop Elements.
Rename Photos in the Organizer in Photoshop Elements – Instructions: A picture of a user renaming a photo in Photoshop Elements.

Rename Photos in the Organizer in Photoshop Elements: Instructions

  1. To rename photos in the Organizer in Photoshop Elements, select the media file to rename within the Organizer window.
  2. Then select “File| Rename…” from the Menu Bar.
  3. Type the new name of the file into the “New Name” field within the “Rename” dialog box.
  4. Then click the “OK” button.

Rename Photos in the Organizer in Photoshop Elements: Video Lesson

            The following video lesson, titled “Renaming Images,” shows you how to rename photos in the Organizer of Photoshop Elements. This video lesson is from our complete Photoshop Elements tutorial, titled “Mastering Photoshop Elements Made Easy v.2021.”

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Guided Edit Mode in Photoshop Elements – Instructions

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Guided Edit Mode in Photoshop Elements: Overview

            Guided Edit mode in Photoshop Elements lets you make basic choices and have the program do the work for you. To use Guided Edit mode in Photoshop Elements, click “Guided” in the Shortcuts Bar.

            Within Guided Edit mode in Photoshop Elements, select the image to use. You can choose the photo by making a choice from the “Photo Bin” below the work area. Use the dropdown above the Photo Bin to choose where to look for photos. After deciding which pictures appear in the Photo Bin, then click a picture to select it from the Photo Bin. Then choose one of the six categories listed below the Shortcuts Bar to start editing your image.

            The categories for Guided Edit mode appear directly below the Shortcut Bar.  The “Basics” lets you make basic adjustments to your image. This includes the “Brightness and Contrast” and “Sharpen” functions, for example. The “Color” category lets you make changes to the color of your image. For example, this includes the “Remove a Color Cast” function. Choosing “Black & White” lets you make all or some of the photo black and white. This category contains the “B&W Color Pop” function, for example.

Guided Edit Mode in Photoshop Elements - Instructions: A picture of the Guided Edit mode in Photoshop Elements.

Guided Edit Mode in Photoshop Elements – Instructions: A picture of a user within Guided Edit mode in Photoshop Elements.

            The “Fun Edits” adds interest to photos using effects like “Puzzle Effect,” which turns an image into a jigsaw puzzle. The “Special Edits” category contains artistic effects, like “Orton Effect,” and “Restore Old Photo,” which is a repair function. The “Photomerge” choice in the category list lets you merge different photos together to create a new image. Each category contains at least four different functions that let you change the selected image.

            All the functions in Guided Edit mode let you make simple choices from a list of options. You will then be “guided” through the process of making the changes to your selected image. A panel then opens at the right side of the application window to walk you through the photo editing process.

            Simply follow the instructions listed in the pane to complete the guided editing process. Guided Edit mode in Photoshop Elements lets you to create professional-looking photos without professional photo-editing skills.

Guided Edit Mode in Photoshop Elements: Instructions

  1. To use Guided Edit mode in Photoshop Elements, click “Guided” in the Shortcuts Bar.
  2. Select the image to use and then choose from one of the six categories listed below the Shortcuts Bar.
  3. After selecting the category, then choose a function to perform on your image.
  4. Then follow the instructions in the pane that appears to edit your image.

Guided Edit Mode in Photoshop Elements: Video Lesson

            The following video lesson, titled “Guided Edit Mode,” shows how to use Guided Edit mode in Photoshop Elements. This lesson is from our complete Photoshop Elements tutorial, titled “Mastering Photoshop Elements Made Easy v.2021.”

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Open Images in Photoshop Elements- Instructions

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Open Images in Photoshop Elements: Overview

            To open images in Photoshop Elements, select “File| Open…” from the Menu Bar. Doing that then launches the “Open” dialog box. Use this system dialog box to navigate to the folder in your computer’s file system within which to look for image files.

            Once inside the folder that contains the image to open, you should see its name and icon appear in the window. You can double-click the image file to open it in Elements. Alternatively, you can click it once to select it. Then click the “Open” button in the lower-right corner of the dialog box to open it.

            To open images in Photoshop Elements that were recently opened, select “File| Open Recently Edited File” from the Menu Bar. The side menu that then appears shows the names of the most recently opened image files in Elements. If you click an image name in this side menu, it re-opens within Photoshop Elements for editing.

            You can also open recently opened images using the “Open” button at the left end of the Shortcuts Bar. To do this, click the small, downward-pointing arrow to the right of the “Open” button. Then select a recently opened image from the list that appears.

Open Images in Photoshop Elements- Instructions: A picture of a user opening a recently opened image in Photoshop Elements.

Open Images in Photoshop Elements- Instructions: A picture of a user opening a recently opened image in Photoshop Elements.

Open Images in Photoshop Elements: Instructions

  1. To open images in Photoshop Elements, select “File| Open…” from the Menu Bar to launch the “Open” dialog box.
  2. Navigate to the folder in your computer’s file system within which to look for image files.
  3. Double-click an image file to open it in Elements.
  4. Alternatively, click it once to select it.
  5. Then click the “Open” button in the lower-right corner of the dialog box to open it.
  6. To open a recently opened image file, select “File| Open Recently Edited File” from the Menu Bar.
  7. Then click the name of the recently opened image file to re-open in the side menu that appears.
  8. Alternatively, to open a recently opened image file, find the “Open” button at the left end of the Shortcuts Bar.
  9. Then click the small, downward-pointing arrow to the right of the “Open” button.
  10. Then select a recently opened image from the list that appears.

Open Images in Photoshop Elements: Video Lesson

            The following video lesson, titled “Opening Images,” shows how to open images in Photoshop Elements. This video lesson is from our complete Photoshop Elements tutorial, titled “Mastering Photoshop Elements Made Easy v.2021.”

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The Camera Raw Dialog Box in Photoshop Elements – Overview

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Overview of the Camera Raw Dialog Box in Photoshop Elements:

            After opening a camera raw file for processing in the Photo Editor, it opens within the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements. The Camera Raw dialog box contains the tools and settings used to import and process the camera raw data. The layout of the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements changes for Photoshop Elements 2022. This lesson shows you the tool and button locations in the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements 2022.

Buttons at the Top of the Camera Raw Dialog Box in Photoshop Elements:

            At the top of the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements is the Title Bar, which shows the version of Camera Raw installed. Below that is a bar that shows the camera raw file name and camera used to take the photo. At the right end of this bar are the “Convert and save image,” “Open preferences dialog,” and “Toggle full screen mode” buttons.

            You can click the “Convert and save image” button to open the “Save Options” dialog box, which you can use to save a copy of the camera raw image as a DNG file with the settings you specify. This will be discussed in a separate lesson. However, note that you can hold down the “Alt” key on your keyboard and then click the “Convert and save image” button to save and convert a copy of the image but bypass the “Save Options” dialog box, if desired.

            Clicking the “Open preferences dialog” button opens the “Camera Raw Preferences” dialog box, which is also discussed in a separate lesson. You can click the “Cancel” button in this dialog box to close it, if needed. Finally, clicking the “Toggle full screen mode” button toggles the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements between a full screen and smaller version of the dialog box.

Tools at the Right Side of the Camera Raw Dialog Box in Photoshop Elements:

            At the far-right side of the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements is the toolbar of the Camera Raw dialog box. The toolbar contains buttons that let you edit and correct the image while processing it. The buttons are, from top to bottom: “Edit,” “Crop & Rotate,” “Red Eye Removal,” “More image settings,” and, at the bottom, the “Zoom Tool” and the “Hand Tool” buttons. At the right side of the dialog box are tabbed panels for the “Edit,” “Crop & Rotate,” or “Red Eye Removal” tool, depending on which tool is selected in the toolbar.

            In the upper-right corner of the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements is the current image’s histogram, showing the tonal range of the image at its current settings. As you make editing adjustments in the tabs in the Edit Panel when using the “Edit” settings, the data in the histogram automatically updates.

            In the upper-left and upper-right corners of the histogram are two buttons you can click to toggle clipping warnings on and off in the preview image to the left. When enabled, clipping warnings appear as shaded red or blue areas in the preview image. These areas indicate where clipping of the highlights or shadows in the image will occur, according to the current settings. The left button is the “Shadow clipping warning” and the right button is the “Highlight clipping warning.”

            Above and below the histogram is the RGB and image information. You can move your pointer over the preview image to see the corresponding RGB information at the top of the histogram for whichever point in the image preview over which your pointer hovers. Below the histogram is the basic image information.

A picture of the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements 2022 showing the locations of its tools and buttons.

A picture of the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements 2022 showing the locations of its tools and buttons.

            When the “Edit” tool is selected in the toolbar of the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements, then three collapsible and expandable tabs appear at the right side of the dialog box in an Edit Panel. You can click these tabs to show or hide the tab’s associated settings and sliders. The tabs, from top to bottom, are named the “Basic,” “Detail,” and “Calibration” tabs.

Buttons in the Lower-Left Corner of the Camera Raw Dialog Box in Photoshop Elements:

            Below the preview image at the left side of the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements, in the lower-left corner, is the “Fit in view” button, the “Zoom to specified level” button, and the “Select zoom level” drop-down. To fit the image in the preview window, click the “Fit in view” button. Alternatively, to fit the preview image in the window, double-click the “Zoom tool” button in the toolbar at the right side of the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements.

            To set the magnification level to use when you click the preview image with the Zoom Tool, select a choice from the “Select zoom level” drop-down. Alternatively, to set the magnification by clicking and dragging when the Zoom Tool is selected, hold down the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard and then click and drag over the area in the preview image to magnify.

            The Zoom Tool is the default tool in the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements when the “Edit” button is selected in the toolbar. To zoom when it is selected, hold your pointer over the preview image and click to zoom in to the area at which you click. To zoom out to fit the image in the preview area again, click again. To zoom in or out when the Zoom Tool is not selected, directly click the “Fit in view” or “Zoom to specified level” button.

Buttons Below the Preview Image in the Camera Raw Dialog Box in Photoshop Elements:

            Directly below the preview image in the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements is a 5-star scale. You can click or click and drag in this scale to set a star rating for the current photo. To toggle the photo as being marked for deletion, click the “Toggle mark for deletion” button to the right of the stars, which looks like a trash can icon.

            Further to the right in this same bar is the “Cycles between Before/After views” button. You can click this button to cycle the preview of the camera raw image between the five “Before/After” views to choose the way changes you make to the camera raw file appear in the preview area. Alternatively, click and hold down the button to show a pop-up menu of these view choices, instead. Then click the name of the “Before/After” view to apply in the menu that appears.

            If you select one of the “Before/After” views and then change the image, you can then click the adjacent “Swap Before/After settings” button to swap the settings between the two photo versions or click the “Copy current settings to Before” button to copy the changes to the “Before” image. You can click the “Toggle to default/current settings” button to toggle between applying the current or default settings to the “After” version of the photo.

Buttons at the Bottom of the Camera Raw Dialog Box in Photoshop Elements:

            To open a web page about using the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements, click the “Help” button at the left end of the bar at the bottom of the dialog box. To the right of that, you can use the “Bit Depth Settings” drop-down to choose the desired bit depth to use for the camera raw image file.

            To apply any process settings changes to the selected camera raw image and close this dialog box without opening the image in the Photo Editor, click the “Done” button in the lower-right corner. Alternatively, to cancel your changes and close this dialog box, click the “Cancel” button. Alternatively, to reset this dialog box, if needed, hold down the “Alt” key on your keyboard and then click the “Reset” button that replaces the “Cancel” button.

            To both apply your changes by updating the image’s metadata and open the image in the Photo Editor, click the “Open” button. Alternatively, to open the selected image in the Photo Editor without updating the image’s metadata, hold down the “Alt” key on your keyboard and then click the “Open Copy” button that replaces the “Open” button.

Video Lesson on the Camera Raw Dialog Box in Photoshop Elements:

            The following video lesson, titled “The Camera Raw Dialog Box in the Editor,” shows an overview of the tool and button locations within the Camera Raw dialog box in Photoshop Elements. This video lesson is from our complete Photoshop Elements tutorial, titled “Mastering Photoshop Elements Made Easy v.2022.”

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Blur or Sharpen Images in Photoshop Elements- Instructions

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Overview of How to Blur or Sharpen Images in Photoshop Elements:

            This lesson shows you how to blur or sharpen images in Photoshop Elements. The Blur Tool lets you soften hard edges and reduce fine detail in an image. The Blur Tool shares the same location as the Smudge Tool in the Toolbox within Photoshop Elements. Contrary to that, the Sharpen Tool increases edge clarity and detail visibility in an image.

            To blur or sharpen images in Photoshop Elements, select the tool to use from the Toolbox and Tool Options Bar. Then set the brush options. You can set the blending mode, brush, size and also the strength from the drop-downs and sliders available.

            Checking the “Sample All Layers” checkbox blurs or sharpens the pixel data using the combined data from all layers. If unchecked, it then only uses data from the currently selected layer. After setting your options, then click and drag over the area in the image you want to blur or sharpen.

Blur or Sharpen Images in Photoshop Elements: A picture of a user blurring photo details by using the Blur Tool in Photoshop Elements.

Blur or Sharpen Images in Photoshop Elements: A picture of a user blurring photo details by using the Blur Tool in Photoshop Elements.

Instructions on How to Blur or Sharpen Images in Photoshop Elements:

  1. To blur or sharpen images in Photoshop Elements, select either the Blur Tool or the Sharpen Tool from the Toolbox and Tool Options Bar.
  2. Then set the brush options, as desired, in the Tool Options Bar. You can set the blending mode, brush, size and also the strength from the drop-downs and sliders available.
  3. To blur or sharpen pixel data using the combined data from all layers, check the “Sample All Layers” checkbox. If unchecked, it only uses data from the currently selected layer.
  4. After setting your options, then click and drag over the area in the image you want to blur or sharpen.

Video Lesson on How to Blur or Sharpen Images in Photoshop Elements:

            The following video lesson, titled “Blurring and Sharpening Images,” shows you how to blur or sharpen images in Photoshop Elements. This lesson is from our complete Photoshop Elements tutorial, titled “Mastering Photoshop Elements Made Easy v.2022.”

The post Blur or Sharpen Images in Photoshop Elements- Instructions appeared first on TeachUcomp, Inc..

Create Keyword Tags in Photoshop Elements – Instructions

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Overview of How to Create Keyword Tags in Photoshop Elements:

            You can create keyword tags in Photoshop Elements within the Organizer. Keyword tags are identifiers you can assign to selected images to help you organize the images. Tags categorize photos within an album. Tags are categorized in the form of people, places, events, or any other custom tag category you want to create.

            You can create keyword tags in Photoshop Elements using the “New” drop-down menu within the “Tags” panel in the Organizer. After assigning tags to catalog images, you can then filter the catalog to show only photos with a selected tag. You do this by clicking the checkbox to the left of the desired tag name in the “Tags” panel. Photoshop Elements also automatically creates tags from the people, places, and events you assign to images. You can also see these tags within the “Tags” panel.

             Before you create keyword tags in Photoshop Elements, ensure the “Tags” panel is displayed in the Organizer by clicking the “Keyword/Info” button in the Taskbar. Then click the “Tags” button at the top of the “Keyword/Info” panel at the right side of the screen. If needed, expand the “Keywords” section in the panel by clicking the black arrow to the left of the word “Keywords” in the panel. Doing this then displays any existing keywords you have created. You can click this black arrow to both expand and collapse the “Keywords” section in the panel.

            To create keyword tags in Photoshop Elements, click the “New” button, which looks like a green plus sign, to the right of the “Keywords” label in the panel. Alternatively, you can click the drop-down arrow at the right side of the button. Then choose the “New Keyword Tag…” command from the drop-down menu that appears. Either way, the “Create Keyword Tag” dialog box then appears onscreen.

Create Keyword Tags in Photoshop Elements - Instructions: A picture of the “Create Keyword Tag” dialog box within Photoshop Elements.

Create Keyword Tags in Photoshop Elements – Instructions: A picture of the “Create Keyword Tag” dialog box within Photoshop Elements.

            To use an image saved as a .jpg, .bmp, .png or .gif as a custom icon for your new tag, click the “Edit Icon…” button in this dialog box to open the “Edit Keyword Tag Icon” dialog box. Click the “Import…” button in the dialog box. Then navigate to the image to use as your icon. Then select the image and click the “Open” button return to the “Edit Keyword Tag Icon” dialog box. You can then click the “OK” button to add the selected photo as the icon for the new tag.

            Then you must select a tag category into which to place the new tag from the “Category” drop-down. Type a name for the new tag into the “Name” field. Then add any notes about the tag into the “Notes” field. When finished, click the “OK” button to create your new tag.

Instructions on How to Create Keyword Tags in Photoshop Elements:

  1. Open the Organizer window in Photoshop Elements.
  2. Show the “Tags” panel by clicking the “Keyword/Info” button in the Taskbar.
  3. Then click the “Tags” button at the top of the “Keyword/Info” panel at the right side of the screen.
  4. If needed, expand the “Keywords” section in the panel by clicking the black arrow to the left of the word “Keywords” in the panel. You can click this black arrow to both expand and collapse the “Keywords” section.
  5. To create keyword tags in Photoshop Elements, click the “New” button, which looks like a green plus sign, to the right of the “Keywords” label in the panel.
  6. Alternatively, click the drop-down arrow at the right side of the button.
  7. Then choose the “New Keyword Tag…” command from the drop-down menu that appears.
  8. After performing either action, the “Create Keyword Tag” dialog box then appears.
  9. To use an image saved as a.jpg, .bmp, .png or .gif as a custom icon for your new tag, click the “Edit Icon…” button in this dialog box to then open the “Edit Keyword Tag Icon” dialog box.
  10. Click the “Import…” button in the dialog box and then navigate to the image to use as your icon.
  11. Then select the image and click the “Open” button return to the “Edit Keyword Tag Icon” dialog box.
  12. Then click the “OK” button to add the selected photo as the icon for the new tag.
  13. Next, you must select a tag category into which to place the new tag from the “Category” drop-down.
  14. Type a name for the new tag into the “Name” field.
  15. Then add any notes about the tag into the “Notes” field.
  16. When finished, click the “OK” button to create your new tag.
  17. To filter the catalog to show only images associated with a tag, after assigning tags to catalog photos, click the checkbox to the left of the desired tag name in the “Tags” panel.

Video Lesson on How to Create Keyword Tags in Photoshop Elements:

            The following video lesson, titled “Creating Keyword Tags,” shows you how to create keyword tags in Photoshop Elements. This video lesson is from our complete Photoshop Elements tutorial, titled “Mastering Photoshop Elements Made Easy v.2022.”

The post Create Keyword Tags in Photoshop Elements – Instructions appeared first on TeachUcomp, Inc..

How to Use the Gradient Tool in Photoshop – Instructions

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Overview of How to Use the Gradient Tool in Photoshop:

What is the Gradient Tool in Photoshop?

            The Gradient Tool in Photoshop lets you apply a gradient fill, which is a gradual blend between multiple colors to a pixel selection or to a raster layer. There are many preset gradients included in Photoshop, and you can also create your own gradients. You apply a gradient in Photoshop using the Gradient Tool by clicking and dragging within a selection or a layer. The starting and ending points of the area over which you drag is the location over which the gradient transition appears for all gradient styles except angle. This changes the gradient’s appearance, depending on which gradient style you select.

            The Gradient Tool in Photoshop lets you apply gradients either non-destructively or destructively, starting in Photoshop version 24.5. Earlier versions of Photoshop only apply gradients to raster layers destructively. The new, non-destructive version of the Gradient Tool in Photoshop also lets you adjust the gradient after applying it, unlike the classic Gradient Tool.

How to Select the Gradient Tool in Photoshop:

            To use the Gradient Tool in Photoshop, click the “Gradient Tool” button in the Tools panel. The Gradient Tool shares the same button in the Tools panel with the Paint Bucket Tool and deprecated 3D Material Drop Tool, and the button shows the icon for the last tool selected. So, if needed, make sure you select the Gradient Tool by clicking and holding down on this button and then selecting the “Gradient Tool” choice from the side menu that appears.

How to Set the Gradient Tool’s Options in Photoshop:

How to Select a Gradient Tool Preset:

            To show a drop-down menu of saved tool presets for the Gradient Tool from which you can choose, click the “Click to open the Tool Preset picker” button at the left end of the Options bar Control panel. The Gradient Tool comes with one “Circular Rainbow” Gradient Tool preset which you can use to easily apply a circular rainbow gradient. This is often used after selecting the sky in an image layer to quickly apply a rainbow effect to the sky.

How to Select Which Version of the Gradient Tool to Use in Photoshop:

            To select which version of the Gradient Tool to apply if using Photoshop 24.5 or later, select either “Gradient,” to use the new non-destructive version of the Gradient Tool, or “Classic gradient,” to use the older destructive version of the Gradient Tool, from the next drop-down to the right in the Options bar Control panel. Note that your choice here changes the following options in the Options bar Control panel. Also note that older versions of Photoshop do not contain this drop-down in the Options bar Control panel and can only use the older, destructive version of the Gradient Tool.

How to Choose Where to Apply the Gradient:

            Then select where to apply the gradient by selecting the desired layer in the Layers panel. If you select a blank raster layer and use the new Gradient Tool, the selected raster layer is converted into a gradient adjustment layer and a layer mask is applied to it. If you instead select a layer with existing content in the Layers panel, then a new gradient adjustment layer and layer mask are added above the selected layer. Alternatively, if you don’t select a layer in the Layers panel, the new gradient adjustment layer and its mask appear at the top of the layer stack. Alternatively, to select where to apply the gradient fill if using the classic Gradient Tool in Photoshop, select the raster layer to which to apply the gradient fill in the Layers panel in Photoshop.

            Optionally, then make the selection within which to apply the gradient fill in the selected layer. If using the new Gradient Tool, then the selection becomes the layer mask for the gradient adjustment layer. If using the classic Gradient Tool, Photoshop applies the gradient to the selected area in the selected layer.

How to Choose Which Gradient Pattern to Apply in Photoshop:

            The default gradient pattern for the Gradient Tool is a transition from the current foreground color to the background color. However, the Gradient Tool remembers the last gradient pattern applied and shows it as the default choice when you select it later. To instead choose which gradient pattern to apply, click the “Select and manage gradient presets” drop-down arrow button in the Options bar Control panel to show the Gradient Picker panel.

            The Gradient Picker panel shows the preset gradient patterns in gradient groups, which appear as folder icons. To show or hide the preset gradient patterns in a gradient group, click the arrow to the left of its name to expand or collapse its gradients. Custom gradient patterns you create and do not save into a gradient group appear individually at the bottom of the list of preset gradients. To select the gradient pattern to apply and close the Gradient Picker panel, double-click the desired gradient pattern in the Gradient Picker panel.

A picture showing how to choose a gradient pattern preset when using the Gradient Tool in Photoshop.

A picture showing how to choose a gradient pattern preset when using the Gradient Tool in Photoshop.

            After selecting a gradient pattern to apply, the pattern then appears in the Options bar Control panel. Optionally, to create a custom gradient to apply if using the classic Gradient Tool, click the gradient pattern in the Options bar Control panel to open the Gradient Editor dialog box, where you can create a custom gradient pattern and then click the “OK” button to apply it. You will examine using the Gradient Editor dialog box in Photoshop in detail in the upcoming lesson, titled “How to Use the Gradient Editor in Photoshop.” Note that you cannot open the Gradient Editor dialog box this way if using the new Gradient Tool, but you can open it in other ways and you can also edit the gradient after applying it, as you will learn in the next lesson, titled “How to Edit a Gradient Adjustment in Photoshop.”

How to Choose Which Gradient Style to Apply in Photoshop:

            To then select the style of gradient to apply for either version of the Gradient Tool in Photoshop, click either the “Linear Gradient,” “Radial Gradient,” “Angle Gradient,” “Reflected Gradient,” or “Diamond Gradient” button in the Options bar Control panel. The “Linear Gradient” choice applies the gradient transition from the starting point to the ending point in a straight line. The “Radial Gradient” choice applies the gradient transition in a circular pattern from the starting point at the center of the circle to the ending point at the outer edge of the circle.

            The “Angle Gradient” choice applies the gradient in a clockwise sweep around the starting point and along the angle set by the starting and ending points. The “Reflected Gradient” choice applies the gradient over the starting and ending points and also applies a symmetric linear gradient on the opposite side of the starting point. The “Diamond Gradient” choice applies the gradient transition in a four-pointed diamond pattern from the starting point at the center of the diamond to the ending point at an outer point of the diamond.

            Also, note you can click these same buttons in the Options bar Control panel to change the gradient style of a selected gradient adjustment layer after applying the gradient using the new Gradient Tool in Photoshop. However, you can’t do this if using the classic Gradient Tool. Instead, you must select a different gradient pattern and then reapply the gradient to the selected raster layer to change its pixels.

How to Set the Blending Mode and Opacity for the Classic Gradient Tool:

            To select the blending mode of the gradient if changing pixels in a raster layer using the classic Gradient Tool, select a choice from the “Mode” drop-down in the Options bar Control panel. Additionally, to set the opacity of the gradient, click the “Opacity” drop-down and then use the slider that appears to set the opacity percentage or type a percentage into the “Opacity” field. Note that these drop-downs do not appear in the Options bar Control panel if using the new Gradient Tool, as it applies its gradient adjustment in a separate adjustment layer.

How to Reverse, Dither, and Enable Transparency for the Gradient Tool:

            To reverse the gradient pattern for either version of the Gradient Tool, check the “Reverse” checkbox in the Options bar Control panel. To create a smoother gradient with less obvious banding between the colors, check the “Dither” checkbox. Like the gradient style, you can check or uncheck the previous two checkboxes for a selected gradient adjustment layer created using the new Gradient Tool to immediately change it. Alternatively, if using the classic Gradient Tool, you must reapply the gradient to the raster layer after checking these checkboxes. Also, to enable transparency in the gradient pattern if using the classic Gradient Tool, check the “Transparency” checkbox. This checkbox is not available for the new Gradient Tool.

How to Change in Interpolation Method of the Gradient Tool:

            To change the interpolation method applied to the gradient for either version of the Gradient Tool, select the desired method from the “Method” drop-down in the Options bar Control panel. The “Perceptual” choice is the default choice and interpolates the gradient using the OKLab color space to better show a gradient that is perceived as natural by the human eye. The “Linear” choice uses the linear color space to accomplish a similar result. The “Classic” choice displays the classic Photoshop gradient interpolation and is also useful for backwards-compatibility, if needed.

How to Apply the Gradient Using the Gradient Tool in Photoshop:

            To apply the gradient using the Gradient Tool in Photoshop after choosing your desired tool settings, click and drag from the starting point to the ending point of the gradient or gradient transition, depending on your selected gradient style, within the layer or selection. Optionally, to restrict the gradient line you draw to either 15-degree angles for the new Gradient Tool or 45-degree angles for the classic Gradient Tool, hold down the “Shift” key after you click and drag to start drawing the starting and ending points of the gradient. When you release the mouse button, you then apply the selected type of gradient for your version of the Gradient Tool.

            If using the classic Gradient Tool, you apply the gradient destructively and must therefore change the settings in the Options bar Control panel and then reapply the gradient to adjust it or use other pixel-editing tools to adjust its pixel data. Alternatively, if using the new Gradient Tool in Photoshop, the gradient is applied as a gradient adjustment layer and layer mask and appears selected in the Layers panel after applying it. You can then adjust it either in the document window or within the Properties panel using the available gradient settings in either location, which is discussed in the following lesson titled “How to Edit a Gradient Adjustment in Photoshop.”

Instructions on How to Use the Gradient Tool in Photoshop:

  1. To use the Gradient Tool in Photoshop, click the “Gradient Tool” button in the Tools panel.
  2. The Gradient Tool shares the same button in the Tools panel with the Paint Bucket Tool and deprecated 3D Material Drop Tool, and the button shows the icon for the last tool selected.
  3. So, if needed, make sure you select the Gradient Tool by clicking and holding down on this button and then selecting the “Gradient Tool” choice from the side menu that appears.
  4. To show a drop-down menu of saved tool presets for the Gradient Tool from which you can choose, click the “Click to open the Tool Preset picker” button at the left end of the Options bar Control panel.
  5. The Gradient Tool comes with one “Circular Rainbow” Gradient Tool preset which you can use to easily apply a circular rainbow gradient. This is often used after selecting the sky in an image layer to quickly apply a rainbow effect to the sky.
  6. To select which version of the Gradient Tool to apply if using Photoshop 24.5 or later, select either “Gradient,” to use the new non-destructive version of the Gradient Tool, or “Classic gradient,” to use the older destructive version of the Gradient Tool, from the next drop-down to the right in the Options bar Control panel.
  7. Note that your choice here changes the following options in the Options bar Control panel.
  8. Also note that older versions of Photoshop do not contain this drop-down in the Options bar Control panel and can only use the older, destructive version of the Gradient Tool.
  9. Then select where to apply the gradient by selecting the desired layer in the Layers panel.
  10. If you select a blank raster layer and use the new Gradient Tool, the selected raster layer is converted into a gradient adjustment layer and a layer mask is applied to it.
  11. If you instead select a layer with existing content in the Layers panel, then a new gradient adjustment layer and layer mask are added above the selected layer.
  12. Alternatively, if you don’t select a layer in the Layers panel, the new gradient adjustment layer and its mask appear at the top of the layer stack.
  13. Alternatively, to select where to apply the gradient fill if using the classic Gradient Tool in Photoshop, select the raster layer to which to apply the gradient fill in the Layers panel in Photoshop.
  14. Optionally, then make the selection within which to apply the gradient fill in the selected layer.
  15. If using the new Gradient Tool, then the selection becomes the layer mask for the gradient adjustment layer.
  16. If using the classic Gradient Tool, Photoshop applies the gradient to the selected area in the selected layer.
  17. The default gradient pattern for the Gradient Tool is a transition from the current foreground color to the background color. However, the Gradient Tool remembers the last gradient pattern applied and shows it as the default choice when you select it later.
  18. To instead choose which gradient pattern to apply, click the “Select and manage gradient presets” drop-down arrow button in the Options bar Control panel to show the Gradient Picker panel.
  19. The Gradient Picker panel shows the preset gradient patterns in gradient groups, which appear as folder icons.
  20. To show or hide the preset gradient patterns in a gradient group, click the arrow to the left of its name to expand or collapse its gradients.
  21. Custom gradient patterns you create and do not save into a gradient group appear individually at the bottom of the list of preset gradients.
  22. To select the gradient pattern to apply and close the Gradient Picker panel, double-click the desired gradient pattern in the Gradient Picker panel.
  23. After selecting a gradient pattern to apply, the pattern then appears in the Options bar Control panel.
  24. After selecting a gradient pattern to apply, the pattern then appears in the Options bar Control panel.
  25. Optionally, to create a custom gradient to apply if using the classic Gradient Tool, click the gradient pattern in the Options bar Control panel to open the Gradient Editor dialog box, where you can create a custom gradient pattern and then click the “OK” button to apply it. You will examine using the Gradient Editor dialog box in Photoshop in detail in the upcoming lesson, titled “How to Use the Gradient Editor in Photoshop.”
  26. Note that you cannot open the Gradient Editor dialog box this way if using the new Gradient Tool, but you can open it in other ways and you can also edit the gradient after applying it, as you will learn in the next lesson, titled “How to Edit a Gradient Adjustment in Photoshop.”
  27. To then select the style of gradient to apply for either version of the Gradient Tool in Photoshop, click either the “Linear Gradient,” “Radial Gradient,” “Angle Gradient,” “Reflected Gradient,” or “Diamond Gradient” button in the Options bar Control panel.
  28. The “Linear Gradient” choice applies the gradient transition from the starting point to the ending point in a straight line.
  29. The “Radial Gradient” choice applies the gradient transition in a circular pattern from the starting point at the center of the circle to the ending point at the outer edge of the circle.
  30. The “Angle Gradient” choice applies the gradient in a clockwise sweep around the starting point and along the angle set by the starting and ending points.
  31. The “Reflected Gradient” choice applies the gradient over the starting and ending points and also applies a symmetric linear gradient on the opposite side of the starting point.
  32. The “Diamond Gradient” choice applies the gradient transition in a four-pointed diamond pattern from the starting point at the center of the diamond to the ending point at an outer point of the diamond.
  33. Also, note you can click these same buttons in the Options bar Control panel to change the gradient style of a selected gradient adjustment layer after applying the gradient using the new Gradient Tool in Photoshop. However, you can’t do this if using the classic Gradient Tool. Instead, you must select a different gradient pattern and then reapply the gradient to the selected raster layer to change its pixels.
  34. To select the blending mode of the gradient if changing pixels in a raster layer using the classic Gradient Tool, select a choice from the “Mode” drop-down in the Options bar Control panel.
  35. Additionally, to set the opacity of the gradient, click the “Opacity” drop-down and then use the slider that appears to set the opacity percentage or type a percentage into the “Opacity” field.
  36. Note that these drop-downs do not appear in the Options bar Control panel if using the new Gradient Tool, as it applies its gradient adjustment in a separate adjustment layer.
  37. To reverse the gradient pattern for either version of the Gradient Tool, check the “Reverse” checkbox in the Options bar Control panel.
  38. To create a smoother gradient with less obvious banding between the colors, check the “Dither” checkbox.
  39. Like the gradient style, you can check or uncheck the previous two checkboxes for a selected gradient adjustment layer created using the new Gradient Tool to immediately change it. Alternatively, if using the classic Gradient Tool, you must reapply the gradient to the raster layer after checking these checkboxes.
  40. Also, to enable transparency in the gradient pattern if using the classic Gradient Tool, check the “Transparency” checkbox. This checkbox is not available for the new Gradient Tool.
  41. To change the interpolation method applied to the gradient for either version of the Gradient Tool, select the desired method from the “Method” drop-down in the Options bar Control panel.
  42. The “Perceptual” choice is the default choice and interpolates the gradient using the OKLab color space to better show a gradient that is perceived as natural by the human eye.
  43. The “Linear” choice uses the linear color space to accomplish a similar result.
  44. The “Classic” choice displays the classic Photoshop gradient interpolation and is also useful for backwards-compatibility, if needed.
  45. To apply the gradient using the Gradient Tool in Photoshop after choosing your desired tool settings, click and drag from the starting point to the ending point of the gradient or gradient transition, depending on your selected gradient style, within the layer or selection.
  46. Optionally, to restrict the gradient line you draw to either 15-degree angles for the new Gradient Tool or 45-degree angles for the classic Gradient Tool, hold down the “Shift” key after you click and drag to start drawing the starting and ending points of the gradient.
  47. When you release the mouse button, you then apply the selected type of gradient for your version of the Gradient Tool.
  48. If using the classic Gradient Tool, you apply the gradient destructively and must therefore change the settings in the Options bar Control panel and then reapply the gradient to adjust it or use other pixel-editing tools to adjust its pixel data.
  49. Alternatively, if using the new Gradient Tool in Photoshop, the gradient is applied as a gradient adjustment layer and layer mask and appears selected in the Layers panel after applying it. You can then adjust it either in the document window or within the Properties panel using the available gradient settings in either location, which is discussed in the following lesson titled “How to Edit a Gradient Adjustment in Photoshop.”

Video Lesson on How to Use the Gradient Tool in Photoshop:

            The following video lesson, titled “Learn How to Use the Gradient Tool in Adobe Photoshop: A Training Tutorial,” shows how to use the Gradient Tool in Photoshop. This video lesson is from our complete Photoshop tutorial, titled “Mastering Photoshop Made Easy.”

The post How to Use the Gradient Tool in Photoshop – Instructions appeared first on TeachUcomp, Inc..

How to Edit a Gradient Adjustment in Photoshop – Instructions

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Overview of How to Edit a Gradient Adjustment in Photoshop:

Where Do You Edit Gradient Adjustments Made Using the Gradient Tool in Photoshop?

            To edit a gradient adjustment in Photoshop created by the new Gradient Tool in Photoshop 24.5 or later, first select the gradient adjustment layer. Gradient adjustments appear as adjustment layers in the Layers panel with an accompanying layer mask. Click the adjustment icon within the layer, if needed, to show the gradient line in the document window and its gradient properties in the Properties panel.

            You can edit the gradient adjustment in either location in Photoshop. However, you have more settings available in the Properties panel. When a gradient adjustment is selected in Photoshop, the Properties panel shows many of the same settings as the Options bar Control panel when the Gradient Tool is selected combined with settings from the “Gradient Editor” dialog box. Note that you can still use the “Gradient Editor” dialog box to edit and save gradient preset patterns, as usual.

How to Move and Resize a Gradient Adjustment in the Document Window in Photoshop:

            A selected gradient adjustment layer’s gradient line appears in the document window as a straight line with two dot icons at either end for the starting and ending points. To move the entire gradient line, click and drag the gradient line, avoiding any dot or diamond icons on the line, in the document window. Then release it when it is in the desired location. To change the size or length of the gradient line, click and drag the starting or ending point, as desired, and then release it when the line is the desired size or length and the selected starting or ending point is at the desired location.

How to Change the Colors of a Gradient Adjustment in the Document Window in Photoshop:

            The selected gradient adjustment line shows the selected gradient pattern’s color stops, which are the colors in the gradient, as colored dot icons on the gradient line in the document window. It also shows the color midpoints, which are the middle transition points between two colors determined by the color stops in a gradient, as diamond icons above the gradient line. To move a gradient pattern’s color stop or color midpoint, hover over it until you see the mouse pointer turn into a small black triangle icon, and then click and drag it on the gradient line and release it into its new location.

            To add a new color stop to the selected gradient line in the document, hover next to the line at the desired location at which to add the color stop until the mouse pointer icon turns into a white triangle icon with a plus sign next to it. Then click at that location to add a color stop. To set the color of a color stop on the gradient line, double-click it to open the “Color Picker” dialog box, select the desired color, and then click the “OK” button to apply it.

How to Edit a Gradient Adjustment Using the Properties Panel in Photoshop:

            Alternatively, you can also adjust the selected gradient adjustment by changing its settings in the Properties panel. There are more settings available here than are available in the document window. To show the properties of a gradient adjustment you selected in the Layers panel, click the “Properties” tab in the workspace or select “Window| Properties” from the Menu Bar to show the Properties panel.

How to Change the Gradient’s Preset, Style, Angle, Scale or Reverse and Dither Settings:

            To change the selected gradient preset, select a different choice from the “Presets” drop-down in the Properties panel. The selected gradient pattern’s color and opacity settings then appear in the sections below in the Properties panel. To change the selected gradient’s style, click a button for the desired “Style” in the Properties panel. To change the angle of the gradient line, enter the desired number of degrees as a positive or negative value into the “Angle” field or select a choice from its drop-down.

            If you want to change the scale of the gradient line, enter a percentage value into the “Scale” field or click its drop-down arrow and then use the slider that appears to set its value. To reverse the gradient pattern, check the “Reverse” checkbox in the Properties panel. To dither the gradient pattern, check the “Dither” checkbox in the Properties panel.

How to Change the Gradient Type Setting for a Gradient Adjustment in the Properties Panel of Photoshop:

            The next section in the Properties panel sets the gradient pattern and works in much the same way as the Gradient Editor dialog box, which you will learn about in the next lesson. To select the type of gradient pattern to apply, select either “Solid” or “Noise” from the “Type” drop-down in the Properties panel. Noise gradients apply random, linear color and opacity changes to a gradient using a range of color and opacity you select, and solid gradients apply linear opacity and color transitions at locations you select within a gradient pattern.

            The “Solid” gradient type is the most used. Depending on your choice in the “Type” drop-down, the following settings in the Properties panel change. So, let’s examine the settings if you select the “Solid” gradient pattern type, first.

How to Change the Interpolation and Smoothness of Solid Gradient Adjustments:

            To select the interpolation method for solid gradients, select a choice from the “Method” drop-down in the Properties panel. This provides the same gradient interpolation settings as the “Method” drop-down in the Options bar Control panel, as mentioned in the previous lesson. To set the smoothness of the gradient pattern, select a percentage from the “Smoothness” drop-down or type a percentage into the field.

How to Add and Delete Color Stops for Solid Gradient Adjustments in the Properties Panel:

            To edit the color of the gradient, then use the sample gradient pattern that appears within the Properties panel to add, edit, and/or delete its color stops and color midpoints. Color stops in a gradient pattern determine which colors appear at which location in the gradient pattern. To add a new color stop, click into the desired location at which to add the color stop within the bottom row of color stops in the gradient pattern strip. To delete a color stop from a gradient, click it to select it. Then click the “Delete Stop” button immediately below the gradient pattern color strip.

How to Change the Color and Location of Color Stops for Solid Gradient Adjustments in the Properties Panel:

            To edit the color for a color stop in the gradient pattern, double-click the color stop to open the “Color Picker” dialog box. Then select the color to apply and click the “OK” button in the dialog box to finish. To change the position of a color stop in the gradient pattern, click and drag it left or right to slide it to a new location. Alternatively, click the color stop to select it and then enter its location into the “Location” field immediately below the gradient pattern color strip. A value of 0 places it at the far-left end of the gradient and a value of 100 places it at the far-right end.

How to Change the Location of Color Midpoints for Solid Gradient Adjustments in the Properties Panel in Photoshop:

            To change the location of a color midpoint, which sets the midpoint where the color changes between two adjacent color stops, click to select one of the adjacent color stops for the color midpoint to adjust. The color midpoint icon or icons then appear as small diamond icons between the two adjacent color stops. To move the color midpoint, click and drag the desired color midpoint diamond icon to a new location between the two color stops.

            Alternatively, click to select the color midpoint whose position you want to change, and then type a new relative value from 5 to 95 into the “Location” field immediately below the gradient pattern color strip. A value of 5 places it as close as possible to the left color stop and a value of 95 places it as close as possible to the right color stop. A value of 50 places it into the center of the two color stops.

How to Add and Delete Opacity Stops for Solid Gradient Adjustments in the Properties Panel:

            To add transparency to a gradient, you must edit the opacity stops in the gradient opacity pattern strip within the “Opacity Controls” section of the Properties panel. If needed, to expand or collapse the “Opacity Controls” section, click its name in the Properties panel. When expanded, this section shows the opacity of the selected gradient pattern as a linear gradient strip containing opacity stops and opacity midpoints.

            To add a new opacity stop to the gradient pattern, click into the desired location at which to add the opacity stop within the bottom row of opacity stops in the gradient pattern strip. To delete an opacity stop from the gradient pattern, click it to select it. Then click the “Delete Stop” button immediately below the gradient pattern opacity strip.

How to Change the Opacity and Location of Opacity Stops for Solid Gradient Adjustments in the Properties Panel:

            To change the opacity level of an opacity stop, click it to select it. Then click the “Opacity” drop-down immediately below the gradient pattern opacity strip and change the opacity percentage by using the slider. Alternatively, type the desired percentage into the “Opacity” field.

A picture showing how to edit the opacity of a gradient created using the new Gradient Tool in Photoshop.

A picture showing how to edit the opacity of a gradient created using the new Gradient Tool in Photoshop.

            To change the position of an opacity stop in the gradient strip, click and drag it left or right to slide it to a new location and then release it. Alternatively, click the “Location” drop-down below the gradient pattern opacity strip and change the location value by using the slider. Alternatively, type the desired value into the “Location” field. A value of 0 puts it at the far-left end of the gradient pattern and a value of 100 puts it at the far-right end.

How to Change the Location of Opacity Midpoints for Solid Gradient Adjustments in the Properties Panel in Photoshop:

             To change the location of an opacity midpoint, which sets the midpoint where the opacity changes between two adjacent opacity stops, click to select one of the adjacent opacity stops for the opacity midpoint to adjust. The opacity midpoint icon or icons then appear as small diamonds between the two adjacent opacity stops. To move the opacity midpoint, click and drag the desired opacity midpoint diamond icon to a new location between the two opacity stops and then release it.

            Alternatively, click to select the opacity midpoint whose position you want to change and then type a new relative value from 5 to 95 into the “Location” field below the gradient pattern opacity strip. A value of 5 places it as close as possible to the left opacity stop and a value of 95 places it as close as possible to the right opacity stop. A value of 50 places it into the center of the two opacity stops.

How to Change the Roughness and Colors of Noise Gradient Adjustments in Photoshop:

            Next, you will learn how to edit a noise gradient in Photoshop if you instead select the “Noise” gradient type from the “Type” drop-down in the Properties panel. To set the roughness of the noise gradient, which changes the intensity of its striations, click the “Roughness” drop-down and select the desired percentage using the slider that appears. Alternatively, type the desired percentage into the “Roughness” field. The higher the percentage, the more color striations appear in the noise gradient.

            To select the color model to use for the range of color striations to show in the noise gradient, select a color model choice from the “Color Model” drop-down. You can choose either the “RGB,” “HSB,” or “LAB” color models. Then click and drag the arrows on the three color sliders for your selected color model that then appear below the “Color Model” drop-down to set the upper and lower limits of each color, which then determines which possible colors can appear within the noise gradient.

            To prevent the colors in the noise gradient from over-saturating, check the “Restrict Colors” checkbox below the color sliders. To add transparency to the noise gradient, check the “Add Transparency” checkbox below the color sliders. If you want to randomize the noise gradient again based on your current settings, which changes the pattern in the noise gradient, click the “Randomize” button below the checkboxes.

How to Reset the Alignment of a Gradient Adjustment or Save a Gradient as a Preset in the Properties Panel of Photoshop:

            The “Quick Actions” section of the Properties panel lets you quickly perform common actions on the selected gradient adjustment. To expand or collapse the “Quick Actions” section, if needed, click the “Quick Actions” title in the Properties panel. To reset the alignment of the selected gradient line with the layer to its default settings, click the “Reset Alignment” button in the “Quick Actions” section of the Properties panel.

            Optionally, to save the current gradient pattern as a new custom gradient preset you can select from the Gradient Picker panel, click the “Save Preset…” button in the “Quick Actions” section of the Properties panel to open a “Gradient Name” dialog box. Then type a name for the gradient pattern into the “Name” field and click the “OK” button in the “Gradient Name” dialog box to add the new gradient pattern as a new gradient preset, which appears at the bottom of the Gradient Picker panel.

Instructions on How to Edit a Gradient Adjustment in Photoshop:

  1. To edit a gradient adjustment in Photoshop created by the new Gradient Tool in Photoshop 24.5 or later, first select the gradient adjustment layer.
  2. Gradient adjustments appear as adjustment layers in the Layers panel with an accompanying layer mask.
  3. Click the adjustment icon within the layer, if needed, to show the gradient line in the document window and its gradient properties in the Properties panel.
  4. You can edit the gradient adjustment in either location in Photoshop. However, you have more settings available in the Properties panel.
  5. When a gradient adjustment is selected in Photoshop, the Properties panel shows many of the same settings as the Options bar Control panel when the Gradient Tool is selected combined with settings from the “Gradient Editor” dialog box. Note that you can still use the “Gradient Editor” dialog box to edit and save gradient preset patterns, as usual.
  6. A selected gradient adjustment layer’s gradient line appears in the document window as a straight line with two dot icons at either end for the starting and ending points.
  7. To move the entire gradient line, click and drag the gradient line, avoiding any dot or diamond icons on the line, in the document window.
  8. Then release it when it is in the desired location.
  9. To change the size or length of the gradient line, click and drag the starting or ending point, as desired, and then release it when the line is the desired size or length and the selected starting or ending point is at the desired location.
  10. The selected gradient adjustment line shows the selected gradient pattern’s color stops, which are the colors in the gradient, as colored dot icons on the gradient line in the document window.
  11. It also shows the color midpoints, which are the middle transition points between two colors determined by the color stops in a gradient, as diamond icons above the gradient line.
  12. To move a gradient pattern’s color stop or color midpoint, hover over it until you see the mouse pointer turn into a small black triangle icon, and then click and drag it on the gradient line and release it into its new location.
  13. To add a new color stop to the selected gradient line in the document, hover next to the line at the desired location at which to add the color stop until the mouse pointer icon turns into a white triangle icon with a plus sign next to it.
  14. Then click at that location to add a color stop.
  15. To set the color of a color stop on the gradient line, double-click it to open the “Color Picker” dialog box, select the desired color, and then click the “OK” button to apply it.
  16. Alternatively, you can also adjust the selected gradient adjustment by changing its settings in the Properties panel. There are more settings available here than are available in the document window.
  17. To show the properties of a gradient adjustment you selected in the Layers panel, click the “Properties” tab in the workspace or select “Window| Properties” from the Menu Bar to show the Properties panel.
  18. To change the selected gradient preset, select a different choice from the “Presets” drop-down in the Properties panel.
  19. The selected gradient pattern’s color and opacity settings then appear in the sections below in the Properties panel.
  20. To change the selected gradient’s style, click a button for the desired “Style” in the Properties panel.
  21. To change the angle of the gradient line, enter the desired number of degrees as a positive or negative value into the “Angle” field or select a choice from its drop-down.
  22. If you want to change the scale of the gradient line, enter a percentage value into the “Scale” field or click its drop-down arrow and then use the slider that appears to set its value.
  23. To reverse the gradient pattern, check the “Reverse” checkbox in the Properties panel.
  24. To dither the gradient pattern, check the “Dither” checkbox in the Properties panel.
  25. The next section in the Properties panel sets the gradient pattern and works in much the same way as the Gradient Editor dialog box, which you will learn about in the next lesson.
  26. To select the type of gradient pattern to apply, select either “Solid” or “Noise” from the “Type” drop-down in the Properties panel. Noise gradients apply random, linear color and opacity changes to a gradient using a range of color and opacity you select, and solid gradients apply linear opacity and color transitions at locations you select within a gradient pattern. The “Solid” gradient type is the most used.
  27. Depending on your choice in the “Type” drop-down, the following settings in the Properties panel change. So, let’s examine the settings if you select the “Solid” gradient pattern type, first.
  28. To select the interpolation method for solid gradients, select a choice from the “Method” drop-down in the Properties panel. This provides the same gradient interpolation settings as the “Method” drop-down in the Options bar Control panel, as mentioned in the previous lesson.
  29. To set the smoothness of the gradient pattern, select a percentage from the “Smoothness” drop-down or type a percentage into the field.
  30. To edit the color of the gradient, then use the sample gradient pattern that appears within the Properties panel to add, edit, and/or delete its color stops and color midpoints. Color stops in a gradient pattern determine which colors appear at which location in the gradient pattern.
  31. To add a new color stop, click into the desired location at which to add the color stop within the bottom row of color stops in the gradient pattern strip.
  32. To delete a color stop from a gradient, click it to select it.
  33. Then click the “Delete Stop” button immediately below the gradient pattern color strip.
  34. To edit the color for a color stop in the gradient pattern, double-click the color stop to open the “Color Picker” dialog box.
  35. Then select the color to apply and click the “OK” button in the dialog box to finish.
  36. To change the position of a color stop in the gradient pattern, click and drag it left or right to slide it to a new location.
  37. Alternatively, click the color stop to select it and then enter its location into the “Location” field immediately below the gradient pattern color strip. A value of 0 places it at the far-left end of the gradient and a value of 100 places it at the far-right end.
  38. To change the location of a color midpoint, which sets the midpoint where the color changes between two adjacent color stops, click to select one of the adjacent color stops for the color midpoint to adjust.
  39. The color midpoint icon or icons then appear as small diamond icons between the two adjacent color stops.
  40. To move the color midpoint, click and drag the desired color midpoint diamond icon to a new location between the two color stops.
  41. Alternatively, click to select the color midpoint whose position you want to change, and then type a new relative value from 5 to 95 into the “Location” field immediately below the gradient pattern color strip. A value of 5 places it as close as possible to the left color stop and a value of 95 places it as close as possible to the right color stop. A value of 50 places it into the center of the two color stops.
  42. To add transparency to a gradient, you must edit the opacity stops in the gradient opacity pattern strip within the “Opacity Controls” section of the Properties panel.
  43. If needed, to expand or collapse the “Opacity Controls” section, click its name in the Properties panel.
  44. When expanded, this section shows the opacity of the selected gradient pattern as a linear gradient strip containing opacity stops and opacity midpoints.
  45. To add a new opacity stop to the gradient pattern, click into the desired location at which to add the opacity stop within the bottom row of opacity stops in the gradient pattern strip.
  46. To delete an opacity stop from the gradient pattern, click it to select it.
  47. Then click the “Delete Stop” button immediately below the gradient pattern opacity strip.
  48. To change the opacity level of an opacity stop, click it to select it.
  49. Then click the “Opacity” drop-down immediately below the gradient pattern opacity strip and change the opacity percentage by using the slider.
  50. Alternatively, type the desired percentage into the “Opacity” field.
  51. To change the position of an opacity stop in the gradient strip, click and drag it left or right to slide it to a new location and then release it.
  52. Alternatively, click the “Location” drop-down below the gradient pattern opacity strip and change the location value by using the slider.
  53. Alternatively, type the desired value into the “Location” field. A value of 0 puts it at the far-left end of the gradient pattern and a value of 100 puts it at the far-right end.
  54. To change the location of an opacity midpoint, which sets the midpoint where the opacity changes between two adjacent opacity stops, click to select one of the adjacent opacity stops for the opacity midpoint to adjust.
  55. The opacity midpoint icon or icons then appear as small diamonds between the two adjacent opacity stops.
  56. To move the opacity midpoint, click and drag the desired opacity midpoint diamond icon to a new location between the two opacity stops and then release it.
  57. Alternatively, click to select the opacity midpoint whose position you want to change and then type a new relative value from 5 to 95 into the “Location” field below the gradient pattern opacity strip. A value of 5 places it as close as possible to the left opacity stop and a value of 95 places it as close as possible to the right opacity stop. A value of 50 places it into the center of the two opacity stops.
  58. Next, you will learn how to edit a noise gradient in Photoshop if you instead select the “Noise” gradient type from the “Type” drop-down in the Properties panel.
  59. To set the roughness of the noise gradient, which changes the intensity of its striations, click the “Roughness” drop-down and select the desired percentage using the slider that appears.
  60. Alternatively, type the desired percentage into the “Roughness” field. The higher the percentage, the more color striations appear in the noise gradient.
  61. To select the color model to use for the range of color striations to show in the noise gradient, select a color model choice from the “Color Model” drop-down. You can choose either the “RGB,” “HSB,” or “LAB” color models.
  62. Then click and drag the arrows on the three color sliders for your selected color model that then appear below the “Color Model” drop-down to set the upper and lower limits of each color, which then determines which possible colors can appear within the noise gradient.
  63. To prevent the colors in the noise gradient from over-saturating, check the “Restrict Colors” checkbox below the color sliders.
  64. To add transparency to the noise gradient, check the “Add Transparency” checkbox below the color sliders.
  65. If you want to randomize the noise gradient again based on your current settings, which changes the pattern in the noise gradient, click the “Randomize” button below the checkboxes.
  66. The “Quick Actions” section of the Properties panel lets you quickly perform common actions on the selected gradient adjustment.
  67. To expand or collapse the “Quick Actions” section, if needed, click the “Quick Actions” title in the Properties panel.
  68. To reset the alignment of the selected gradient line with the layer to its default settings, click the “Reset Alignment” button in the “Quick Actions” section of the Properties panel.
  69. Optionally, to save the current gradient pattern as a new custom gradient preset you can select from the Gradient Picker panel, click the “Save Preset…” button in the “Quick Actions” section of the Properties panel to open a “Gradient Name” dialog box.
  70. Then type a name for the gradient pattern into the “Name” field and click the “OK” button in the “Gradient Name” dialog box to add the new gradient pattern as a new gradient preset, which appears at the bottom of the Gradient Picker panel.

Video Lesson on How to Edit a Gradient Adjustment in Photoshop:

            The following video lesson, titled “Learn How to Edit a Gradient Adjustment in Adobe Photoshop: A Training Tutorial,” shows how to edit a gradient adjustment made using the new Gradient Tool in Photoshop. This video lesson is from our complete Photoshop tutorial, titled “Mastering Photoshop Made Easy.

The post How to Edit a Gradient Adjustment in Photoshop – Instructions appeared first on TeachUcomp, Inc..






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