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.