Gradient tool

[Ron H]

Okay, so I am 84 years old so learning new things is difficult for me. I am having some success with Affinity Photo but for the life of me I cannot ascertain how to use the Gradient tool. I can load the photo, apply a gradient but where do  I go from there? Cannot figure out the next step to get it back in a form which I can save.

 

Will appreciate any help which can be provided.

[A_B_C]

Hi Ron,

 

and welcome here …  :)

 

Could you please provide more details about what you want to achieve? Where did you get stuck? Are you looking for a special file format to save your design?

 

Cheers, Alex

[Ron H]

I have tried everything I can think of but basically I load the picture. I want to create a gradient so put a copy layer on top of the original then use the gradient tool. It gives the effect I want but I do not know what to do next. I want to save it but cannot figure out how to do it.  I get the gradient overlay but have no idea how to use it to apply a gradient to the photo.

 

I know this is very confusing but I cannot explain it clearly.  Long time user of Adobe CS so that is hindering me. But I am one of many that is objecting to a monthly fee for that program.

[A_B_C]

Let me apologize, Ron, but I am not sure, if I understand clearly what you want to achieve. But you said, you were able to apply the desired effect (gradient) to your photo, and just need to save your photo with the effect applied. So there are two ways to consider:

• By using File > Save …, you can save your composition to the native .aphoto format. This format will include all of your layers and adjustments.
• To save your composition to other formats (for example, to a TIFF or JPEG file), you would have to export it, using File > Export … instead. A dialogue will show up, where you can choose different file formats. Please have a look at my screen shot below.

Does that help? If not, it would be helpful if you were able to upload a screen shot or an example image … I am sure we can sort things out …  :)

 

Cheers, Alex

[Ron H]

You do not understand due to my inability to explain what I am doing with any clarity. Which is my fault, certainly not yours. I appreciate your efforts but I think the answer for me is to go back to CS and work with what I am familiar with. I do thank you for trying to guide me through but I am a great believer in that old adage which says, "If at first you don't succeed, give up, there is no use making a fool of yourself."

[Magnus_vb]

Hello Ron

Maybe you already are familiar with, and use, the layer blend mode? I believe it's the most common way to use/apply a layer with a gradient on the layer below. The layer Blend mode is found in the top of the layer panel (default value is "Normal").

 

Regards,

Magnus

[A_B_C]

Oh, seems I misunderstood you … excuse me.  :(

 

Yes, as Magnus says … if you want to apply your gradient to your photo, a common way to do this is by using a different layer blend mode on the gradient layer. Please have a look at my video. It is just an illustration of what Magnus said:

• First off, I created a pixel layer and filled it with a standard gradient.
• Seondly, I changed the gradient stop at the top to orange. Note that the “ring” which indicates the gradient stop, was selected, when I changed the colour.
• Thirdly, I changed the blend mode of the gradient layer (to “Colour Burn”), and adjusted the gradient a bit. Note that the gradient layer was selected, when I changed the blend mode.

Perhaps this may come a bit closer to what you were asking about.  :)

Regards, Alex

Gradient.mov

[Ron H]

I want to thank those of you who provided me guidance on how to do gradients. Through much trial and error and finally managed to put a gradient on a photo. Thanks again. your help and guidance was much appreciated.