How to Add a Gradient Effect to an Image in Photoshop

A gradient is the quickest way to set the mood of a photo. This guide covers the Gradient Fill layer end to end: how color stops and angle work, how a mask keeps the transition local, and which blending modes keep it looking natural. Open an image in Online PS and follow along.

1. Open your image
   File → Open (or drag the file straight into the workspace).
2. Duplicate the Background layer (Ctrl + J)
   You now have a "Background copy" layer, so the original image stays intact and you can delete or hide the copy at any time.
3. Create a Gradient Fill layer (recommended)
   Path: Layer → New Fill Layer → Gradient… (exactly the same in Online PS and Photoshop).
   In the Gradient Editor that appears:
   • Pick a preset gradient, or click a color stop to add or change colors.
   • Use Style (Linear, Radial, Angle, Diamond) and Angle/Scale to control the direction and shape of the gradient.
   The layer is non-destructive: double-click the layer thumbnail at any time to edit the gradient again.
4. Adjust the blending mode and opacity (optional)
   In the Blending Mode dropdown of the Layers panel, try Overlay, Soft Light, Screen and so on. They let the gradient interact with the image underneath in a more natural, luminous way.
   Use the Opacity slider to fine-tune the strength of the gradient; 30%–70% usually looks best.
5. Add a layer mask (local control)
   Select the Gradient Fill layer → Layer → Add Layer Mask (or click the mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel).
   The mask starts out white (fully visible). With the Brush tool (B):
   • Foreground color black → hides that area;
   • Foreground color white → brings it back;
   • Foreground color gray → semi-transparent transition.
   Brush hardness, flow and size let you control exactly where the gradient shows.
6. Fine-tune further (optional)
   
   • Edit the gradient: double-click the thumbnail of the Gradient Fill layer to reopen the Gradient Editor and change the colors, angle or style at any time.
   • Rasterize, then Free Transform (if you need to distort the gradient shape non-linearly): right-click the Gradient Fill layer → Rasterize Layer, then use Ctrl + T (Free Transform) or Edit → Transform → Warp to rotate, scale and distort the rasterized pixels.
   • Layer styles: click fx at the bottom of the Layers panel → Color Overlay, Gradient Overlay to stack another color or gradient on top without touching the original gradient.
7. Save / export
   Keep the layers:
   • Photoshop → File → Save As → PSD (or File → Save a Copy → PSD).
   • Online PS → File → Export As → PSD; once downloaded, the file still opens for further editing in either app.
   Final image only:
   • File → Export As → PNG (keeps the alpha channel) or File → Export As → JPG (quality adjustable).
   • In the export dialog you can choose the color space (sRGB), resolution and compression quality.

Tip
Online PS and desktop Photoshop share almost identical shortcuts: Ctrl + J (duplicate layer), G (Gradient tool), B (Brush), Ctrl + T (Free Transform) and so on. The one exception is saving: in Online PS you have to use "Export As" to download the file.

Using a Gradient Fill layer instead of painting a gradient directly on a pixel layer is the best practice for keeping your edits flexible.

If you want the gradient to change only the local color without altering overall brightness, make a selection first (for example Select → Color Range), then create the Gradient Fill layer inside it — that saves you the mask work.

References

• Adobe Photoshop official documentation
• HTML5 and the principles of modern front-end image processing
• Online PS