4 Easy Steps to Make a Gradient in GIMP

PDF download Download Article
Adding color gradients is a breeze with GIMP
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to include a layer of a rainbow or colors blending, like in a gradient, in your GIMP image? Using the Gradient Tool makes this a simple process that anyone can do! Read on to learn more about how to make gradients in GIMP. Note that this method works with the updated versions of GIMP (2.10+).

Quick Steps

  1. Press G on your keyboard to activate the Gradient Tool.
  2. Use the gradient icon in the Tool Options window to adjust how your gradient appears.
  3. Drag and drop your mouse over your canvas to draw the gradient.
  4. Edit it more in the Tool Options window to change how it looks.
  5. Save your file.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Press G to select the Gradient fill icon. Alternatively, you can click the Gradient Tool icon in the toolbox, which shares a button with Bucket Fill, or select the tool by going to Tools > Paint Tools > Gradient .
  2. 2
    Select a gradient style from the "Opacity" menu. This menu, which has a gradient icon, is in the Gradient options in the right panel. The gradient thumbnails offer various presets, like blending from pink to blue, but you can also adjust the blending options or colors to customize how it looks.
    • You can also set the gradient shape (circular, rectangular, or linear), opacity (how much you can see through it), and if the gradient repeats. [1]
    • If you don't see the Gradient panel, enable it in Windows > Dockable Dialogs > Tool Options .
    Advertisement
  3. You can click and drag points on the gradient to adjust it after it's on the screen.
    • Return to the options toolbar to further adjust how the gradient looks.
  4. 4
    Save the file. Once you are happy with the gradient, click File and select Save . [2]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Drawing a Perfect Circle in GIMP: A Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Recolor Anything on Gimp
      How to
      Make a Transparent Image Using Gimp
      How to
      Create an Animated GIF Image with GIMP
      How to
      Install Scripts Into Gimp
      Using the Pen Tool in GIMP: Drawing Shapes, Curves, & Lines
      3 Ways to Install GIMP
      How to
      Adjust Brightness in GIMP
      Quick Guide to Using the Clone Tool in GIMP
      How to
      Change the Size of Icons in GIMP
      How to
      Remove Facial Blemishes on GIMP
      How to
      Outline Text in GIMP 2
      How to
      Add Layers in GIMP
      How to
      Use GIMP
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://docs.gimp.org/en/gimp-gradient-dialog.html
      2. ↑ https://docs.gimp.org/en/gimp-tool-gradient.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 157,954 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement