Adding a gradient in Affinity involves using the dedicated Gradient Tool to apply color transitions to the fill or stroke of your selected layer content.
To add a gradient in Affinity, you typically select the object or layer you want to modify, activate the Gradient Tool, and then define whether the gradient applies to the fill or the stroke via the context toolbar before drawing it on your canvas.
Applying Gradients in Affinity Designer, Photo, or Publisher
Affinity software provides a powerful Gradient Tool to apply smooth color transitions to various elements of your design. Whether you're working with shapes, text, or pixel selections, the process is straightforward.
Here is a breakdown of the key steps, incorporating information from the reference:
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Gradient
Follow these simple steps to add a gradient to your artwork:
- Select Layer Content: First, ensure that the layer or object you wish to apply the gradient to is selected on your canvas. This could be a shape, a text layer, a pixel selection area, or a curve.
- Select the Gradient Tool: From the Tools panel, locate and select the Gradient Tool. This tool is usually represented by an icon depicting a gradient.
- Choose Fill or Stroke: Look at the context toolbar that appears at the top of the workspace when the Gradient Tool is active. From the Context pop-up menu within this toolbar, you must select either 'Stroke' or 'Fill'.
- Selecting 'Fill' applies the gradient across the entire area inside the boundary of your selected object.
- Selecting 'Stroke' applies the gradient along the outline or border of your selected object.
- Draw the Gradient: Once you have selected 'Fill' or 'Stroke', click and drag directly on your object or canvas. The line you draw defines the direction and span of your gradient. Releasing the mouse button finalizes the initial gradient placement.
- Refine the Gradient: After drawing, the Gradient Tool allows you to adjust the gradient's start and end points, add more color stops, change the color of stops, alter transparency, and switch the gradient type (e.g., Linear, Radial, Elliptical, Conical, Bitmap) directly on the object using interactive handles.
Understanding Fill vs. Stroke Gradients
Choosing between 'Fill' and 'Stroke' on the context toolbar is crucial as it dictates where the gradient will be applied:
| Option | Description | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Fill | The gradient covers the entire inner area of the selected shape or object. | Area inside shapes, text characters, pixel selections. |
| Stroke | The gradient runs along the outline or border of the selected object. | The border of shapes, text outlines (if converted/stroked). |
By mastering the Gradient Tool and its options on the context toolbar, you can create diverse and visually appealing color transitions in your Affinity projects. Remember to always Select layer content before activating the tool and defining its application.
