Applying a gradient to the selected object.

[dedorka]

Please help, I know it's basics, but I'm just learning Affinity Photo. I want to apply a gradient to a shape on a transparent background. When I select a gradient, it overlaps the entire image instead of the shape.

[walt.farrell]

Welcome to the Serif Affinity forums, @dedorka.

Please show a screenshot of the application window, including the workspace with your shape and the Layers panel (with the shape showing as selected).

[dedorka]

14 minutes ago, walt.farrell said:

Welcome to the Serif Affinity forums, @dedorka.

Please show a screenshot of the application window, including the workspace with your shape and the Layers panel (with the shape showing as selected).

Hi Walt. Thanks for your interest. Here it is 🤭

[dedorka]

I already see I can add a layer effect -> gradient overlay and set up new gradient, but I can't see how can I choose ready gradient.

[v_kyr]

See related ...

• Gradient tool
• Gradient and bitmap fills
• Gradient Overlay
• Swatches Panel <--*

[GarryP]

I don’t think you can use a gradient Swatch in a Gradient Fill Effect.

One other option you have (and there will be others) is to use a Fill Layer, see attached video.

[dedorka]

5 minutes ago, GarryP said:

I don’t think you can use a gradient Swatch in a Gradient Fill Effect.

One other option you have (and there will be others) is to use a Fill Layer, see attached video.

Oh wow, that's exactly what I wanted. Thank you SO much 😘

And thank you for making this video for me 🤭

[GarryP]

You're welcome.

[Old Bruce]

You could go the other way and use the Pixel layer as a mask for the fill layer.

 versus

[Lisbon]

Also possible with Layer Fx.

[thomaso]

6 hours ago, Lisbon said:

Also possible with Layer Fx.

But a Gradient Overlay FX doesn't allow to use a Gradient Swatch as a "ready gradient" as requested, right?

13 hours ago, dedorka said:

I already see I can add a layer effect -> gradient overlay and set up new gradient, but I can't see how can I choose ready gradient.

… though the interface seems to imply this possibility via dragging a swatch:

[Lisbon]

14 hours ago, thomaso said:

But a Gradient Overlay FX doesn't allow to use a Gradient Swatch as a "ready gradient" as requested, right?

Right.

To be honest, didn't even see the second part about choosing a ready gradient.

14 hours ago, thomaso said:

… though the interface seems to imply this possibility via dragging a swatch:

Hmmmm... i see the problem.
My suggestion may mislead people.
Unfortunately my gradient was created manually.

Thanks for pointing that out @thomaso

[R C-R]

21 hours ago, thomaso said:

… though the interface seems to imply this possibility via dragging a swatch:

FWIW, in both V1 & V2 on my Mac, dragging a swatch into that FX Gradient box doesn't work: I can drag a gradient (or a single color swatch) from the Swatches panel into it but as soon as I release the mouse button it is rejected & the shown gradient does not change.

The only difference is in V2 it it flies back into the Swatches panel; in V1 it simply does not do anything.