Four Amazing Uses for the Gradient Tool

Learn what gradients are and how to use them to create vignettes, spotlights, enhance the sun, and fade edges.

Watch the video for a step-by-step breakdown in Photoshop ⬆️

What are Gradients?

A gradient is how one thing changes to another thing. In the photography world, this could mean how an area of brightness changes to an area of darkness or how one color changes to another. Think of it as the transition between two different states.

The gradient tool in Photoshop allows us to control this transition. What do we want to change, and how quickly do we want it to happen?

Practical Uses Gradients

• Create vignettes (dark, fading edges) in your photo

• Spotlight (highlight) portions of the image

• Subtly enhance regions in color, brightness, or saturation

How to Use the Gradient Tool

Watch the video tutorial above for a step-by-step breakdown in Photoshop.