If you want to create a smooth transition from one colour to another in Photoshop, the gradient tool is the easiest way to achieve it.

There are a number of different types of gradients you can create in Photoshop, including linear ones that go in a straight line, radial ones that form a circle and angular gradients that shade in a counter-clockwise sweep. There are also reflected gradients that mirror linear gradients and diamond gradients that shade from the middle to the outer corners of your image. 

All of these shapes can be created using one button – the Gradient tool. Here’s how to use the Gradient tool in Photoshop. 

If you’re looking for more Photoshop tips, check out our guides to how to zoom in Photoshop, how to resize an image, and how to use the clone stamp.

What you’ll need: 

  • Adobe Photoshop 
  • A Creative Cloud subscription 
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The Short Version 

  1. Hold down the Paint Bucket tool 
  2. Select the Gradient tool 
  3. Pick your colours 
  4. Choose a type of gradient 
  5. Click on your image and drag your mouse to create a gradient

How to make a gradient in Photoshop

  1. Step 1.

    Click and hold the Paint Bucket tool

    You may be able to skip this step if you can already see the gradient tool in the sidebar.

  2. Step 2.

    Select the Gradient tool

    The icon resembles a gradient.

  3. Step 3.

    Pick your colours

    Double-click on either colour to change it or skip step 4 if you’re happy with the colours selected.

  4. Step 4.

    Click OK

    You can use the colour picker to choose any colour.

  5. Step 5.

    Choose a type of gradient

    You can pick between linear, radial, angular, reflected and diamond-style gradients.

  6. Step 6.

    Click on the image and drag to create a gradient

    You can drag in any direction to create different results.

How to create a gradient that starts transparent

To create a gradient that goes from colour to transparent (or vice versa) just click the drop-down arrow next to your colours at the top of the screen.

How to redo a gradient

If you don’t like the gradient you’ve created, click Edit, then Undo Gradient, and try again.

Where is the gradient editor in Photoshop?

You’ll need to select the Gradient tool (G) and then click on the gradient thumbnail in the options bar – this’ll bring up the Gradient Editor.