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How To Use Gradient Maps In Adobe Photoshop - Tutorial

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SJshah

SJshah

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How To Use Gradient Maps In Adobe Photoshop


[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/DoH94iW.jpg[/SLIDE]

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/x5UBjS4.jpg[/SLIDE]
​

Using gradient maps can change everything about an image. They can be used for many different effects.

Use the gradient map tool instead of gradient(fill) for better results and non-destructive gradient effects.


This tutorial will go through the basics.


Time needed: 10 mins
Experience level: Beginner


Step 1:

Open the file or image you want to use. I will be using this wallpaper: http://i.imgur.com/68hoG1Lh.jpg

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/6cZgr68h.jpg[/SLIDE]


Step 2:

Go to: "Layers > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map..." to create a new gradient map layer.

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/e2AuOdp.png[/SLIDE]


Step 3:

Name your layer and edit the opacity to what you need. For this tutorial, I will keep the opacity at 100%, it can always be changed later.

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/a7aq32c.png[/SLIDE]


Step 4:

The small arrow to the right of the gradient allows you to pick a gradient from a range of presets. You can create or download custom preset gradients.

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/bZFy3KG.png[/SLIDE]


Step 5:

Here is an example of a commonly used preset:

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/NSzOAam.png[/SLIDE]


Step 6:

To customise or create your own gradient, click on the gradient itself.

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/H8SX6Cf.png[/SLIDE]


Step 7:

Doubleclick on the arrows on the bottom of the gradient to edit the colour. For beginners, test and try it out all you want. You'll easily learn which gradients look good and which ones you require for certain effects.

You can drag these arrows left and right to edit the position of the gradient or edit their location along the gradient using the "Location" option underneath - between 0% and 100%.

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/CW2lRSP.png[/SLIDE]


Step 8:

Here is one I created as an example:

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/35SbSUX.png[/SLIDE]

This is the effect I was able to create:

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/kR7kdvm.png[/SLIDE]


Step 9:

You can edit the opacity of the gradient map layer just like any other layer to decrease the visibility of the gradient.

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/g8xfWQm.png[/SLIDE]

This is how it looks at a 70% opacity:

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/6fqzzjI.png[/SLIDE]


That's all the basics covered. You can edit the colours along your gradient or choose and edit preset gradients. If you're a beginner, try to experiment with as many different combinations as you can to understand how different colours create different effects.



Different Alterations:

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/NWnkM8y.jpg[/SLIDE]

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/hBxrYgb.jpg[/SLIDE]

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/x5UBjS4.jpg[/SLIDE]

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/TBG1WHo.jpg[/SLIDE]

[SLIDE]http://i.imgur.com/pPDYrEX.jpg[/SLIDE]


Download the PSD (Watermarked - Learning purposes ONLY)
Code: 
https://mega.co.nz/#!llh32IJR!P1dnGD862eZtCuFqcV89jjYdKWcvLNOzbOXvWAKrQxw
or
http://www.mediafire.com/?44f4fs0c480ppqn


Reply here if you have any questions or anything to add to this tutorial.
 
Last edited:
16 comments
how did you do this

x5UBjS4.jpg
 
If you download the .psd file it will be the layer called "Gradient Map 3", doubleclick the layer to see the gradient.

Here:
[slide]http://i.imgur.com/NMIHNJP.png[/slide]
 
Last edited:
SJshah said:
If you download the .psd file it will be the layer called "Gradient Map 3", doubleclick the layer to see the gradient.

Here:
[slide]http://i.imgur.com/NMIHNJP.png[/slide]
Click to expand...

can you upload your PSD in other host cause in mega not to work with me...

Thanks
 
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