Applying a Gradient Map Effect

You can use the Gradient Map effect to add colors to the dark and light parts of your images. The Gradient Map effect maps shadows to one color, and highlights to another based on the lightness value of each pixel. You can give the darker parts of your image a completely different color from the lighter parts.

You can save your settings as a preset for future use.

To Apply a Gradient Map Effect:

  1. In Edit mode, in the Add group, select Special Effect.

    2. You can also access the Special Effects menu from the Filter drop-down menu or Filter toolbar.

  2. Click Gradient Map.
  3. On the Gradient Map panel, set the options as described below.
  4. Do one of the following:
    • Click Done to accept your changes and close the panel.
    • Click Cancel to discard your changes and close the panel.

Gradient Map Options

Dark

Specify the color to be added to the dark parts of your image.

Light

Specifies the color to be added to the light parts of your image.

You can right-click a slider to reset to the default value.

You can use the Edit Brush to paint this effect onto specific areas of your image.

You can use the Gradient tool to transition this effect across specific areas of your image.

You can use the Radial Gradient tool to apply effects around, or directly to, a center point.

See also: