How do I get the gradient fill tool to fill in a gradient?

[bobdobbs]

I want to create a gradient.

With a layer selected, I have activated the gradient fill tool.
After that I've moved to the context bar, set 'Content' to 'Fill' and set 'Type' to 'Linear'.
After that I selected one color for each of the two existing endpoints.

Then, with the left mouse button down, I've dragged across the canvas.

As a result I can see a line with two endpoints. Each endpoint has a colour that I've selected.

From that point, I can't see how to actually get the fill tool to actually fill.

The document seems to describe the preliminary steps that I've walked through in the above description, but isn't clear on how to actually get the tool to add a gradient.

 

[loukash]

A gradient doesn't exist on its own, and a "Layer" type of object alone doesn't have any dimensions.
An actual object like a vector shape or a pixel layer must be selected to which the gradient will be applied.