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Posted on 12/03/08 03:36:21 AM |
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Mizkreant
* Posts: 16 Reply  |
Making a gradient follow selection contours?
This is one feature that the old Deluxe Paint IV on the Amiga had that Photoshop still doesn't do after all these years. How can you create a gradient that follows the contours of a freeform selection? Photoshop only has a handful of simple gradient modes (linear, radial, etc.). Is there a relatively quick way to do this that's not too manually intensive? I suppose one could make an action to stroke>contract ad nauseam and then blur the result, but there must be a better way. |
Posted on 12/03/08 09:12:06 AM |
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Meltonian
Highlight Hermit Posts: 90 Reply  |
Re: Making a gradient follow selection contours?
I'd fill the area on a separate layer and then apply an outer glow layer style. Playing around with the settings can give the impression of a gradient, but you're right - the standard gradient settings are a little limited. Overall, though, I think Photoshop just has the edge on Deluxe Paint IV! |
Posted on 12/03/08 09:47:12 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7068 Reply  |
Re: Making a gradient follow selection contours?
Go to Layer Styles, and pick the Stroke section. Set the size fairly large, the position to Inside, the fill type to Gradient, then the style to Shape Burst - and you'll find that any gradient you choose, or that you design, will do exactly what you're looking for. 
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Posted on 12/03/08 10:10:01 AM |
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Meltonian
Highlight Hermit Posts: 90 Reply |
Re: Making a gradient follow selection contours?
Like I was saying, the settings are a little limited... until you learn how to do it! |
Posted on 12/03/08 11:27:27 AM |
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Mizkreant
* Posts: 16 Reply |
Re: Making a gradient follow selection contours?
Thanks, Steve. |
Posted on 12/03/08 1:00:16 PM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7068 Reply |
Re: Making a gradient follow selection contours?
No, my thanks are due to you for asking about this in the first place! I had no idea if this would work until I tried it to find out. |
Posted on 12/03/08 7:08:16 PM |
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Deborah Morley
Makeover Magician Posts: 1319 Reply  |
Re: Making a gradient follow selection contours?
I've always wandered how to do that. Have you ever considered writing a book Steve! |
Posted on 13/03/08 09:02:32 AM |
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Nick Curtain
Model Master Posts: 1768 Reply  |
Re: Making a gradient follow selection contours?
Deborah is right Steve. You could even set up a forum for people like us. Nick |
Posted on 13/03/08 09:41:19 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7068 Reply |
Re: Making a gradient follow selection contours?
Nah... no-one would come... |
Posted on 13/03/08 1:10:32 PM |
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dave.cox
Marquee Master Posts: 518 Reply  |
Re: Making a gradient follow selection contours?
Layer styles are well worth spending some time with. You would be surprised how much you can do with them. |