Affinity Designer Gradient Tool = WTF?

[DOODLESKULL]

Dear people,

 

How do I use the linear gradient tool, if I want to fill a shape from top to bottom? The gradient only goes from side to side and I can't adjust the settings so that it goes from top to bottom. 

 

Danke.

 

 

 

[MEB]

Hi doodleskull,

Welcome to Affinity Forums

Select the shape, select the Fill Tool then drag from top to bottom over the shape on canvas to set the direction. Press and hold ⇧ (shift) to constrain the direction to horizontal/vertical and diagonal axis (45º). If you need to adjust the direction or position of the gradient nodes use the node gradient handles on canvas.

[dfmedrano]

I could not apply a vertical gradient. This tool is poorly designed and has major usability issues. I'm one step closer to ditching Affinity  (the other major drag is single node editing)

Shame!

[firstdefence]

5 hours ago, dfmedrano said:

This tool is poorly designed and has major usability issues.

I have to agree, it's not intuitive when applying gradient, the gradient handles should be displayed if you apply gradient from the Fill option and you should not have to keep selecting the fill tool to arrange a gradient.

At the very least there should be a rotation option on the fill window when applying a gradient.

[MEB]

Hi dfmedrano,
Welcome to Affinity Forums
I will pass your feedback to the dev team regarding the lack of a rotation control in the fill/stroke pop-up (I understand this can be an issue if the Fill Tool is not selected). Affinity tools were designed to give you real time feedback on the action you are performing whenever possible so if you select the Fill Tool you should see the gradient handle exposed over the selected object - you can manipulate it too change its angle, add/remove colour nodes, change their colours, edit midpoints and it should reflect these changes in real time.

Regarding node manipulation, have you created a topic for it in the Questions section? If you let us know what you are having trouble with specifically we may be able to help. Thanks.

[R C-R]

11 hours ago, firstdefence said:

I have to agree, it's not intuitive when applying gradient, the gradient handles should be displayed if you apply gradient from the Fill option and you should not have to keep selecting the fill tool to arrange a gradient.

Do you mean in addition to or instead of the bounding box handles displayed on the canvas? I think I would find that more confusing than helpful. Besides, the dropdown often obscures part of the selected shape, just as it does in the OP's screenshot.

11 hours ago, firstdefence said:

At the very least there should be a rotation option on the fill window when applying a gradient.

What would that use as a rotation center: the center of the gradient, a selected stop, something else?

[clankill3r]

How do I rotate an existin gradient?

[walt.farrell]

20 minutes ago, clankill3r said:

How do I rotate an existin gradient?

Assuming it's applied to a vector object, just select the object and use the Fill Tool to adjust the gradient in the object by dragging the nodes appropriately.

[HANDJOJO]

If you wish the gradient color will tranform from Top to Bottom, you can do it another way:

1. Select the object you wish to gradient,

2. then select Gradient Tool, put the node from the top of object to bottom of object, now you have a gradient color from top to the bottom as you wish.

[kloudhandz]

I still find it weird that it doesn't have it's own panel like colour or swatches.
You always have to click on the little gradient thingy somewhere top left and then you get 
that panel. very what-the-hellish