Back to Dye Printing Tricks & Tips
Hidden underneath the Paint Can Tool is the Gradient Tool.
Go to the top bar and see the extra controls you have. You can also load up that window with other preset gradients (or save your own). ".grd" files can be placed in the proper Photoshop folder and you'll have access to a library of various rainbows.
On a Mac they should be stored in >Adobe Photoshop>Presets>Gradients
How you view them can also be adjusted (Text, Thumnails, List). And you have controls for importing, replacing, and libraries.
Double click on the Gradient Bar to access the Gradient Editor.
Notice the color keys or "stops" on the ramp? They can be moved, deleted, or added to. Click "New" to save your creation for another day.
Notice also the small diamonds on either side of the Color Stop? Those control the midway point of the blend between that stop and the stop on either side.
Slide it over and see how the spectrum has changed.
Grab the Stop and pull it off the palette and the Spectrum will re-write without that color.
Now back to the top menu bar. The default setting for the Gradient Tool is Linear.
Linear
Blends from your start point to your end point as you drag the tool across your layer.
Radial
Wraps a color wheel around from the start point out and around as far as your end point.
Angle
Throws a spectrum counterclockwise from your start point.
Reflect
Start from the middle and drag to the right. A matching spectrum will "reflect" from your start point to the left.
Diamond
The start point will be the center, and your end point will be one point of your diamond shaped spectrum.
Have fun! And don't forget the Modes and multiple passes with the Gradient Tool can create some interesting designs quick.
