Apply a gradient map to an image – Adobe Photoshop CS4 User Manual
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USING PHOTOSHOP CS4
Color and tonal adjustments
Last updated 1/10/2010
Note: You can also choose Image > Adjustments > Posterize. But keep in mind that this method makes direct adjustments
to the image layer and discards image information.
2
In the Adjustments panel, enter the number of tonal levels you want.
Apply a gradient map to an image
The Gradient Map adjustment 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:
•
Click the Gradient Map icon
in the Adjustments panel.
•
Choose Layer
> New Adjustment Layer
> Gradient Map. Click
OK in the New Layer dialog box.
Note: You can also choose Image > Adjustments > Gradient Map. But keep in mind that this method applies the
adjustment directly to the image layer and discards image information.
2
In the Adjustments panel, 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. Click to select the desired
gradient fill, and then click in a blank area of the Adjustments panel to dismiss the list. For information on
customizing the gradient fill list, see “
•
To edit the gradient fill currently displayed in the Adjustment panel, click the gradient fill. Then modify the existing
gradient fill or create a gradient fill using the Gradient Editor. (See “
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.