Skip to main content
Gixxxa75
Inspiring
Jul 25, 2026 9:26 AM UTC
Question

eye dropper sampling with gradient tool

Im trying to match a background on a product shot with the gradient tool, I cant seem to sample the colours from the background with the gradient tool, I cant find the foreground to background colour option any more, and if I try to sample with the eyedropper from the gradient properties tab the properties tab disappears when I make the  gradient layer invisible so  all I can sample is the gradient layer and not the background layer. Im sure I used to set the gradient colours by double clicking on the little preview graphic of it top left, but that doesn't seem to work anymore?

    5 replies

    Gixxxa75
    Gixxxa75Author
    Inspiring
    Jul 25, 2026 11:35 AM UTC

    ​@c.pfaffenbichler  yes, many thanks for confirming , found it now, changed the list to text. Bit odd the properties box disappears when you toggle layer visibility though. The gradient I was creating was covering the whole area so I wanted to adjust colour stops with eye dropper with layer hidden.

    Translate
    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Jul 25, 2026 11:44 AM UTC

    Does the Gradient Layer have a Layer Mask? 

    With a Mask the Properties Panel seems to maintain the focus on the Gradient properties when hiding the Layer, without one not – which does seem curious indeed. (edit: Heck, one could even argue that it’s a »bug«.) 

    Translate
    Gixxxa75
    Gixxxa75Author
    Inspiring
    Jul 29, 2026 12:52 PM UTC

    Yes was masked, just tested without a mask and I just get a blank properties box. Interestingly the mask properties stays visible when I hide the layer but the gradient properties do not.

    Translate
    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    Jul 25, 2026 11:18 AM UTC

    Fore ground to Background should be under »Basics«. 

    Setting Color Stops seems to work here. 

     

    Translate