This tool allows you to fill an area, whether a selection or an entire layer, with a range of colors. Starting with one color and progressing to another, the colors in between are graduated according to the particular gradient used. The extent of the gradient is determined by the distance you drag the pointer.
There are four basic features of Gradient Fill that you will need to understand to use it properly:
Gradient The various gradients available are ways of determining particular color progressions. Some use the current background and foreground colors to generate the gradient, others use different color schemes, depending on the choice of gradient (the gradient name is usually indicative of the range of colors to be used).
Gradient type The gradient type is the "shape" of the gradient. The default type, Linear, takes the gradient set in Gradient and spreads it in a straight line from the start to the finish point, that is to say, in a definite direction across the image window. The Spiral type forms a spiral gradient around the start point; the shorter the distance you drag the pointer, the tighter the spiral. There are many other gradients types from which to choose.
Mode The brush modes determine how the gradient will blend with any colors already there on the layer. Note that the mode determines a permanent state of the image and can only be undone by selecting Undo from the Edit menu. Some examples of blending are given in Brush modes.
Opacity The opacity slider measures the degree of transparency or "see-throughness" of the applied gradient. A setting of 100% will completely cover any existing image with the applied gradient; anything less than this and the existing image will be visible through the gradient. Note that the opacity here determines a permanent state of the image and can only be undone by selecting Undo from the Edit menu.
All of these features are available in the "Gradient Fill" dialog.
To apply a gradient fill, do the following:
Click on Gradient Fill on the Tools bar.
In the "Gradient Fill" dialog set the following options:
Choose from the blend modes in Mode (see Brush modes). The default is Normal.
In Opacity use the slider to set the transparency of the gradient. The default is 100% or totally opaque.
In Gradient select a gradient. The default is FG to BG RGB mode.
In the Gradient Type box select a gradient type. The default is Linear.
Once you have made your selections, click on a spot in the image window from where you want the gradient to start. Drag the gradient pointer to a finish point and release the mouse button. The gradient will be applied after a few seconds, in conjunction with the gradient type, mode and opacity.
Note that the shorter the distance you drag the pointer the more tightly will the band of colors be packed.
In addition, you can create and edit your own gradients, which can be saved for future use. To do this click on Edit to open up the Gradient Editor (see Gradient Editor) and set the required options.
For some examples see Gradient Fill: examples.
See: