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How to Use the Gradient Tool in Photoshop Elements for Stunning Effects

4 min read

Why gradients make ordinary photos extraordinary

Have you ever looked at a family photo and wished the sky had more colour, or wanted a smooth, professional-looking background for a portrait? The Gradient Tool in Photoshop Elements can help you achieve exactly that — and it is much simpler than you might think.

A gradient is simply a smooth blend from one colour to another (or through several colours). In PSE, you can use gradients to enhance skies, create artistic backgrounds, add subtle lighting effects, or design custom greeting cards and scrapbook pages. Once you understand how this tool works, you will find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Finding the Gradient Tool in Photoshop Elements

The Gradient Tool lives in the Toolbox on the left side of your screen when working in Advanced mode. Here is how to access it:

  1. 1Open your photo in Photoshop Elements and switch to Advanced mode using the mode buttons at the top of the Editor.
  2. 2Look in the Toolbox on the left side for the Paint Bucket Tool icon — it looks like a tilted bucket pouring paint.
  3. 3Click and hold on the Paint Bucket Tool to reveal a fly-out menu.
  4. 4Select the Gradient Tool from this menu.

You will see the Tool Options bar appear at the bottom of your screen, showing gradient presets, style options, and blending controls.

Understanding your gradient options

Before you start painting gradients, take a moment to explore the Tool Options bar:

  • Gradient Picker — Click the gradient preview to open a panel of preset gradients. PSE includes dozens of ready-made options, from simple two-colour fades to rainbow spectrums.
  • Gradient Styles — Five small icons let you choose how the gradient spreads: Linear (straight line), Radial (circular), Angle (sweep around a point), Reflected (mirror effect), or Diamond (diamond-shaped).
  • Mode — This controls how the gradient blends with existing pixels. Start with Normal for solid coverage.
  • Opacity — Lower this for a softer, more subtle gradient effect.

Creating your first gradient

Let us try a simple gradient on a new layer — this keeps your original photo safe:

  1. 1With your photo open, go to Layer → New → Layer and click OK.
  2. 2Select the Gradient Tool from the Toolbox.
  3. 3In the Tool Options bar, click the Gradient Picker and choose a preset — try the Foreground to Transparent option for a versatile starting point.
  4. 4Make sure Linear gradient style is selected.
  5. 5Click and drag across your image from where you want the gradient to start to where you want it to end.
  6. 6Release the mouse button to see your gradient appear.

The longer you drag, the more gradual the transition. A short drag creates a sharp, sudden change between colours.

Practical uses for family photos

Enhancing a washed-out sky

Nothing spoils a lovely outdoor photo like a pale, white sky. Here is how to add depth:

  1. 1Create a new layer above your photo.
  2. 2Set your Foreground Colour to a pleasant sky blue by clicking the colour swatch in the Toolbox.
  3. 3Choose the Foreground to Transparent gradient preset.
  4. 4Select Linear style.
  5. 5Starting at the top of your image, drag downward to about the horizon line.
  6. 6Lower the layer Opacity in the Layers panel to around 40–60% for a natural look.
  7. 7If the gradient covers your subjects, use the Eraser Tool to remove it from people or buildings.

Creating a soft background for portraits

Want to place a grandchild's portrait on a beautiful, smooth background? Gradients work wonderfully:

  1. 1Select your subject using Select → Subject in Photoshop Elements.
  2. 2Go to Select → Inverse to select the background instead.
  3. 3Create a new layer and use the Gradient Tool with two complementary colours.
  4. 4Drag across the selected area to fill the background with your gradient.

Adding warmth to indoor photos

Flash photos can look harsh. A subtle warm gradient can soften the mood:

  1. 1Create a new layer and set its Blend Mode to Overlay in the Layers panel.
  2. 2Choose a gradient from orange to transparent.
  3. 3Drag from one corner toward the centre.
  4. 4Reduce Opacity to 15–25% for a gentle warming effect.

Creating custom gradients

The preset gradients are helpful, but you can also create your own:

  1. 1Click the Gradient Picker in the Tool Options bar.
  2. 2Click Edit to open the Gradient Editor.
  3. 3Click on the small colour stops below the gradient bar to change colours.
  4. 4Double-click a stop to open the Colour Picker and choose your exact shade.
  5. 5Click New to save your custom gradient for future projects.

This is perfect for creating gradients that match your family's favourite colours or holiday themes.

Tips for natural-looking results

  • Always work on a separate layer — this lets you adjust or delete the gradient without affecting your photo.
  • Use low opacity — gradients at full strength often look artificial. Try 20–50% opacity first.
  • Match existing lighting — if the sun is coming from the left in your photo, start your gradient from that direction.
  • Experiment with blend modes — Soft Light and Overlay often give more natural results than Normal for photo enhancements.

Continue learning

Now that you understand gradients, explore these related techniques: