Photoshop

Apply a gradient map to an image

The Gradient Map command maps the equivalent grayscale range of an image to the colors of a specified gradient fill. If you specify a two‑color gradient fill, for example, shadows in the image are mapped to one of the endpoint colors of the gradient fill, highlights are mapped to the other endpoint color, and midtones are mapped to the gradations in between.

  1. Do one of the following:

    • Choose Image > Adjustments > Gradient Map.

    • Choose Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map. Click OK in the New Layer dialog box.

  2. Specify the gradient fill you want to use:

    • To choose from a list of gradient fills, click the triangle to the right of the gradient fill displayed in the Gradient Map dialog box. Click to select the desired gradient fill, and then click in a blank area of the dialog box to dismiss the list. For information on customizing the gradient fill list, see Work with the Preset Manager.

    • To edit the gradient fill currently displayed in the Gradient Map dialog box, click the gradient fill. Then modify the existing gradient fill or create a new gradient fill using the Gradient Editor. (See Create a smooth gradient.)

    By default, the shadows, midtones, and highlights of the image are mapped respectively to the starting (left) color, midpoint, and ending (right) color of the gradient fill.

  3. Select either, none, or both of the Gradient options:
    Dither
    Adds random noise to smooth the appearance of the gradient fill and reduces banding effects.

    Reverse
    Switches the direction of the gradient fill, reversing the gradient map.