How to Create Gradients with Photoshop Elements

This post may contain links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links.

Today we’re talking about one of my favorite topics again, graphic design. Specifically using Photoshop Elements for graphic design.  I love how easy Photoshop Elements is to use and today I’m going to teach you how to create   gradients with Photoshop Elements.

Learn to create gradients with Photoshop Elements with this easy step by step tutorial.

Adding a gradient to your designs gives them a little more “oomph” and dimension. If you don’t know what a gradient is, here is an example.  This is an invitation that is available in my Etsy shop.

create gradients with photoshop elements 7

 

As you can see, the popsicle is not one solid color.  The color is the darkest at the top of the popsicle and then lightens toward the bottom.  It is sort of an ombre effect. To get this effect, you need to add a gradient to your design.

 

HOW TO CREATE GRADIENTS

First you will need to have a design. Whether you draw that design yourself or upload a design that somebody else has made, you need a design to work with.  I’m going to use the popsicle as a design but you can draw a simple shape such as a square or circle for practice.

Learn to create gradients with Photoshop Elements with this easy step by step tutorial.

Next, choose the colors of the gradient that you want. You’ll need to choose two colors. The foreground color will be the color at the top of your shape.  The background color will be the color at the bottom of your shape. Click on the color picker (two squares in the bottom left) and choose the colors that you want your gradient to be.

Learn to create gradients with Photoshop Elements with this easy step by step tutorial.

To create gradients, click on the gradient tool. This tool is the 8th tool down on the right hand side and looks like a shaded box.

After you click the gradient tool, a dropdown menu will show up. Click the arrow and pick the type of gradient that you want to use. For this example we will use the default option and pick the gradient in the upper left corner. This will result in a gradient from foreground color to background color.

Learn to create gradients with Photoshop Elements with this easy step by step tutorial.

Now, click on the layer that you want to add the gradient to in the layer palette. Click on the magic wand tool (third one down on the right) and select your shape that you want to add a gradient to.

Learn to create gradients with Photoshop Elements with this easy step by step tutorial.

Click on the gradient tool, move your cursor to your design and click and drag the cursor from the top to the bottom of your shape.

Learn to create gradients with Photoshop Elements with this easy step by step tutorial.

And that’s how easy it is to add a gradient to your shape.

Learn to create gradients with Photoshop Elements with this easy step by step tutorial.

You can also experiment with different types of gradients (Linear, Radial, Angle, Reflected, Diamond) These 5 buttons are located at the bottom of the screen.

Learn to create gradients with Photoshop Elements with this easy step by step tutorial.

 

For more graphic design tutorials, check out:

The Easy Guide to Installing Fonts on Your Computer
How to Create Printables with Photoshop Elements
How to Create a Digital Watercolor Print

One Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.