New Feature Request: Ability to 'curve' a linear gradient

[The Herbalizer]

Hi,

I often find myself wishing I could make a linear gradient fill be curved rather than, well, linear (ie. a straight line). Wouldn't it be cool if you could add a node or nodes to a path perpendicular to the gradient fill path with control handles which could be manipulated as when using the pen tool in standard pen mode to create bezier curvature to the shape of the gradient fill.......

In case it's not clear what I mean, I have attached a quick mock up where:

A is a linear gradient fill applied to a straight object to give a 3D effect of, say, a pipe

B. is the same linear gradient applied to a curved object (the 3D effect achieved in A. is lost)

C. is the gradient following the curve of the object (shading done for this illustration using the brush tool on a pixel layer) where the red line is the bezier path and the blue line the gradient fill path

Just saying.......

🙂

Thanks guys !

 

[dsnaps12]

This is a option I mentioned that would be great in another thread. Contour gradient that follows what ever shape you draw or distort.

[GarryP]

You can already achieve this with a Contour Outline Layer Effect, see attached image.

[The Herbalizer]

Hey GarryP - yep, that seems to be what I was looking for - thank you for sharing that. Will go away and play a while with my new toy!!

Thanks again  🙂 

[GarryP]

You're welcome.

[dsnaps12]

53 minutes ago, GarryP said:

You're welcome.

Yes GarryP thank you..lol How did I not see this?? I don't think I have even seen a tutorial showing it either.

[Guest]

One thing to keep in mind is that this effect will always be rasterized (converted to pixels) when exported to vector formats such as SVG, PDF, etc.

[The Herbalizer]

Thanks Bryan - good to know. Most of my work is exported as JPG or TIFF for printing but I occasionally use those vector formats too when the image is for screen use. I often find adding a Gaussian blur effect at 0.5 px radius keeps the pixellation down to acceptable levels even for quite subtle gradients.

[Ottothom1123]

On 2/24/2021 at 1:29 AM, GarryP said:

You can already achieve this with a Contour Outline Layer Effect, see attached image.

this is a great start but I feel the tool (or a new tool could and should be made). Something similar to the mesh tool in Illustrator but with simpler controls. 

[tom d]

I have often found it useful to paste inside a thick line with a blur effect applied to imitate a gradient. The first rectangle is a gradient the second is the paste inside. This is useful for highlights and shadows by shifting the inside pasted line. All lines are vector, but the blur will be rasterised to the document dpi. I'm still unfamiliar with the contour tool, so this method remains my 'go to' option.

.

Edited April 27, 2021 by tom d
spelling and clarity

[The Herbalizer]

Hey tom d

I like that a lot. Many thanks for passing that on. I have used the 'contour' method a few times and sometimes it works and sometimes it just doesn't look right so this is another option for me to try.

[tom d]

HI Herbalizer

Good luck with it. I hope this method it works for you. Cheers.