Applying gradients

Corel Painter allows you to apply a gradient to an image by filling an area, such as the canvas, a selection, layer, or channel. For more information, see Selections and transformations, Layers, and Alpha Channels.

Before you apply a gradient, you can specify the gradient type, padding, opacity, size, and the direction of the gradient color blend by using the controls on the property bar

Gradients types: (left to right) linear, conical, circular, and spiral

The gradient order is set to display from Left to Right (left) and Right to Left (right).

The gradient angle is set to display at a vertical angle (left) and at a horizontal angle (right).

Padding options: A gradient is (left to right) extended, mirrored, or repeated on either side of the start and end nodes.

You can also use merge modes to create a wide range of colorful effects. Merge modes let you specify how a gradient blends with the underlying image. For detailed information about merge modes, see Blending layers by using composite methods.

After you draw a gradient, you can modify its appearance interactively in the image window. For more information, see Editing gradients.

You can edit a gradient preset before you apply it. For more information, see To edit a gradient preset.

You can also paint with a gradient by using a brush and dab type that support gradient painting. For more information, see General controls: Dab types. Painting with gradients does not support gradient node transparency.

To apply a gradient

1	Click the Interactive Gradient tool in the toolbox.

2	Click the Gradient Selector on the property bar, and click a gradient fill thumbnail.

If the Edit nodes option on the property bar is enabled, the gradient is applied only after you double-click outside the gradient or click the Commit Gradient button on the property bar.

Once you commit a gradient, it can no longer be edited.

To discard a gradient before you have committed it, click the Discard Gradient button on the property bar.

To remove a gradient from your document after you have committed the gradient, click Edit Undo Gradient Fill.

You can also choose a gradient by choosing Window Media Control Panels Gradients, clicking the Gradient Selector, and clicking a gradient from the Painter Gradients library panel.

You can also apply a gradient by choosing the Paint Bucket tool in the toolbox, choosing Gradient from the Fill list box on the property bar, and then clicking the selected area, layer, or channel.

To set gradient options

To	Do the following
Choose a gradient type	Click one of the following buttons on the property bar: Linear Gradient Radial Gradient Circular Gradient Spiral Gradient Tip: You can also set the gradient type by choosing Window Media Control Panels Gradients, clicking the Gradient Selector, clicking a gradient from the Painter Gradients library panel, and choosing a gradient type.
Set the gradient padding	Click the Padding button on the extended property bar (Window Extended Property Bar), and choose one of the following options: Extend — lets you fill the document or selection by extending the color of the start and end nodes Mirror — lets you fill the document or selection by mirroring a gradient on either side of the start and end nodes (applies only to liner gradients) Repeat — lets you fill the document or selection by repeating a gradient on either side of the start and end nodes
Set the gradient opacity	On the property bar, move the Opacity slider, or type a percentage in the Opacity box.
Set the direction of a gradient	Click the Gradients panel toggle button on the extended property bar (Window Extended Property Bar) to display the Gradients panel. Click one of the gradient order buttons: Left to Right Gradient Right to Left Gradient Tip: You can also reverse the order of colors in the gradient by clicking the Reverse Gradient Direction button on the property bar.
Specify how a gradient blends with the underlying image	Choose a merge mode from the Merge Mode list box on the property bar. For a detailed explanation of merge modes, see Blending layers by using composite methods.

To paint with a gradient

1	In the Gradients panel (Window Media Control Panels Gradients), click the Gradient Selector, and choose a gradient in the Painter Gradients library panel.

If the Source pop-up menu in the General controls panel (Window Brush Control Panels General) is not available (appears gray), the selected brush category or variant does not support gradients. For example, the Pattern Pens brush category supports gradients.

4	In the General controls panel (Window Brush Control Panels General), choose a dab type from the Dab Type pop-up menu.

Painting with a gradient by using Gradient (left) and Gradient Repeat (right)

Brushes using gradients ignore gradient node transparency.

When painting with a gradient, only the Linear gradient type is supported.

Direction matters when you paint with a gradient. Corel Painter flips the gradient when you change direction. To achieve a uniform effect, apply strokes in the same direction.

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