You
fill an area with a gradient by dragging within the image or by
selecting with the Gradient tool. The distance between the starting
point (where you first press and the mouse button) and ending point (where
you release the mouse button) affects the gradient appearance, as
does the gradient type.

Using the Gradient tool and Gradient Editor, you can create
a custom mix of colors in your photos.
You can choose any of the following gradient types in the options
bar.
- Linear gradient
-
Shades from the starting point to the ending point in a straight
line.
- Radial gradient
-
Shades from the starting point to the ending point in a circular
pattern.
- Angle gradient
-
Shades in a counterclockwise sweep around the starting point.
- Reflected gradient
-
Shades using symmetric linear gradients on either side of
the starting point.
- Diamond gradient
-
Shades from the starting point outward in a diamond pattern.
The ending point defines one corner of the diamond.

You can also use a Fill Layer to apply a gradient
to your image. The fill layer gives you the added flexibility of
changing the gradient properties and editing the fill layer’s mask
to limit the gradient to a portion of your image.
Gradients are stored in libraries. You can choose a different
library of gradients to display in the Gradient Picker menu by clicking
the small triangle in the menu and selecting a library at the bottom
of the list. You can also save and load your own libraries of gradients
in this menu. You can also manage gradients by using the Preset
Manager.