In the following tutorial, you will learn how to create a transparent gradient in Photoshop.
Once you get familiarized with transparent gradients and learn how to add a gradient fade in Photoshop, you can head over to Envato Elements where you can find plenty of resources that can inspire you to create amazing designs using transparent gradients in Photoshop.
And if you like to watch video tutorials, take a look at this video from the Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel. You can learn how to make a gradient in Photoshop and much more:
What You'll Learn in This Transparent Gradient Photoshop Tutorial
- How to create a transparent gradient in Photoshop
- How to add a transparent gradient in Photoshop
- How to add a gradient fade in Photoshop
What You'll Need
We'll use this photo to exemplify how you can create a transparent gradient in Photoshop:
How to Create a Transparent to Black Gradient in Photoshop
In order to create a transparent gradient in Photoshop, you need to select the Gradient Tool from your toolbar. You can also use the G hotkey to quickly activate this tool.
Once selected, focus on the control panel and click that gradient thumbnail to open the fly-out panel. Open the Basics set of gradients where you can find three auto-generated gradients. The first two are generated based on the foreground and background colors that you have set in your toolbar.
When your foreground color is set to black, you can select that Foreground to Transparent gradient to easily create a transparent to black gradient in Photoshop.
How to Add a Transparent Gradient in Photoshop
For this example, let's add a new layer on top of the portrait and select it. Make sure that the Gradient Tool (G) is active, select your Foreground to Transparent gradient, and simply click and drag to add your transparent gradient in Photoshop.
How to Edit a Transparent Gradient in Photoshop
Clearly, you can always replace your foreground color, and Photoshop will generate a new transparent gradient, or you can use the Gradient Editor to further edit your gradient.
The Opacity Stop dictates the opacity of the corresponding Color Stop. You can select an Opacity Stop and then use the Opacity slider to adjust the transparency of the corresponding Color Stop. Double-click a Color Stop to adjust the color.
Once you're happy with your new gradient, feel free to apply it using the Gradient Tool (G).
Once it's applied, you can play with the Blending Modes to make your gradient blend better with your designs.
How to Create a Transparent Gradient in Photoshop
Another method that you can use to create and apply a transparent gradient in Photoshop is via the Layer Style panel.
Focus on the Layers panel and double-click the layer on which you wish to apply the transparent gradient to open the Layer Style panel. Alternatively, you can select your layer, click that fx button from the bottom of the Layers panel, and go to Gradient Overlay.
Double-click that gradient thumbnail to open the Gradient Editor and adjust the gradient as you wish. Remember that you can always add more Color Stops or Opacity Stops. Simply click below the gradient bar to add a Color Stop, or above it to add an Opacity Stop. Feel free to play with these settings to create more complex gradients, and keep in mind that you can save a gradient by using the New button.
Click OK to leave the Gradient Editor and apply your gradient. Play with the blending modes to make your gradient blend better with the design, and then click OK to apply your transparent gradient in Photoshop.
Congratulations! You're Done!
Now that you know how to add a gradient fade in Photoshop, feel free to apply these techniques in your future projects.
You can find some great sources of inspiration at Envato Elements, with interesting solutions to create mesmerizing designs using transparent gradients in Photoshop.
Want to Learn More?
We have loads of tutorials on Envato Tuts+, from beginner to intermediate level. Take a look!
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