To invert a radial gradient in Photoshop, you need to use the Invert checkbox within the Radial Gradient settings. When the Invert option is enabled, the adjustments you make to the gradient will affect the area outside of the radial gradient's circular shape. Conversely, if Invert is unchecked, the adjustments will affect the area inside the radial gradient's circular shape.
Inverting Radial Gradients Explained
Here's a breakdown of how the Invert option works with radial gradients in Photoshop:
- Understanding Radial Gradients: A radial gradient transitions colors outwards from a central point, creating a circular effect.
- The Invert Checkbox: This is a simple yet powerful tool that reverses the area of influence for the gradient.
- Invert Checked: The colors and effects of the gradient are applied to the area outside the circular gradient. The center of the circle is effectively unaffected by the gradient.
- Invert Unchecked: The colors and effects are applied to the area inside the circle, transitioning from the center to the edge of the circle. This is the default behavior of the radial gradient.
- Practical Application:
- Imagine you want to darken the edges of a photo while leaving the center bright. You would create a radial gradient, set the inner color to the desired brightness, outer color to the desired darkness, and then check the Invert box.
- Conversely, if you wished to create a circular spotlight effect in the middle of the image, you would create a radial gradient and leave the Invert box unchecked. The inner part of the circle would be lighter, transitioning to darker towards the edges.
Steps to Invert a Radial Gradient
- Select the Gradient Tool: Choose the Gradient Tool from the toolbar.
- Select Radial Gradient: Choose the Radial Gradient option in the options bar at the top.
- Choose Colors: Set the foreground and background colors to desired ones in your gradient.
- Draw Gradient: Click and drag on your image to draw the radial gradient.
- Access Gradient Settings: In the options bar at the top or through your gradient adjustment layer you should see the Invert checkbox.
- Check/Uncheck Invert: To invert, check the Invert checkbox. To return to the normal effect, uncheck the box. You can see live updates on your image as you make these adjustments.
| Option | Effect on Gradient |
|---|---|
| Invert (Checked) | Gradient affects area outside the circle |
| Invert (Unchecked) | Gradient affects area inside the circle |
By using the Invert checkbox effectively, you can achieve a variety of visual effects using radial gradients in Photoshop, from vignettes to spotlights.
