Page updated: 08 March 2026
Gradient Tool
There are two Gradient Tools; Gradient and Gradient Classic.
Gradient Classic is the old tool that existed prior to 2023 when the Gradient Tool received a major improvement. I strongly recommend you use the newer Gradient tool and that is covered below.
For a guide on using the older Gradient Classic Tool, please see Gradient Classic.
The Gradient Tool received a significant upgrade in 2023 and now edits non-destructively, adding an Adjustment Layer to the image. It also gives a live preview as you create the gradient. This is a huge advantage over the old tool, Gradient Classic, which edits destructively and doesn't give you a live preview.
It's a big advantage, whenever you can, to edit non-destructively, because this gives you the flexibility to infinitely edit the Gradient in many ways.
For more details see Destructive vs Non-Destructive Editing.
The Gradient Tool works completely differently to all the other tools and has several uses. You can use it to create patterns using colors, or create a smoothly graduated effect, for example to darken a sky. You can also create a smooth graduation from visible to transparent.
Gradient Tool Options
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How to Create an Angle Gradient
1. Select Angle Gradient
If you don't have a Gradient selected, click on the Angle Gradient button on the Options bar. This will create a new Gradient. You will see the same group of 5 Gradient Type buttons, as in the screenshot, (which shows the Properties panel).
If you have an existing Gradient selected, to change the Gradient Type you can either select the Angle Gradient button from the Options bar or in the Gradient Properties panel. Double click the Gradient Adjustment Layer thumbnail to open this panel.
2. Angle Gradient Example
This is an example of an Angle Gradient. Click and drag the different controls, as shown above, to adjust the Gradient.
Summary of the Gradient Tool
The Gradient Tool can be used in two ways. Classic Gradient creates a gradient directly on the layer pixels and is therefore destructive. If this is not specifially your aim, then I recommend using the Gradient tool, which creates an Adjustment Layer, that can be edited and many options changed. Adjustment Layers are non-destructive and give you much greater flexibility to edit your image.
For more details see Destructive vs Non-Destructive Editing.
