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Maybe I'm not seeing it in recent updates, but is there still no simple gradient tool? I'm not talking about gradient masks, I mean an actual tool where you can select and control a simple gradient parameters on vector shapes.
If the app still doesn't have a proper gradient mechanism, as seen in Canva, I would really like to understand why not? Is there some sort of technical barrier? Or perhaps the dev team doesn't think it's a P0 feature?
It's definitely P0. In fact, is there a number lower than 0 because the priority is probably that number. What are we doing guys and gals?
If all this reigns true, why is such a no brainer, simple, quality of life feature overlooked again and again? You're Adobe. You were doing gradients in the first couple versions of Photoshop. And yes, that dates me. It's fine, just give me my gradients already. Sheesh.
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There may not be a gradient tool built-in currently, but developers at Adobe made an Add-on that does gradients a while ago. I understand that of course, you prefer it was built-in to Express as a feature.... also, depending on your account you may not have the access to install add-ons.
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Hi
@Matt Matt
Thanks for reaching out! We appreciate your feedback on the gradient tool. If this feature is important to you, we encourage you to share your request and any additional details here- https://adobe.ly/3Xt78s6
Regards,
Tarun
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There may not be a gradient tool built-in currently, but developers at Adobe made an Add-on that does gradients a while ago. I understand that of course, you prefer it was built-in to Express as a feature.... also, depending on your account you may not have the access to install add-ons.
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One thing I've learned over the years: You can't please all the people all the time.
"well I don't see why they can't add (whatever feature)- seems like it would be a few mouse clicks, and tada!"
"I pay good money, I need these tools, I have a client...."- what users probably did was tell a client "Yeah, I can do that in Adobe Express," yet they do not understand the limitations of the software.
I use photoshop, or photoshop elements for tools that Adobe Express doesn't have.
It pretty much boils down to this: many requested features are found in other Adobe products, and adding really cool features costs money- something users complain about-- imagine if Adobe express suddenly raised their rates by $5 a month- people would complain.
I pay $10.85 a month for photoshop- for most new users it's about $15 a month. The tools are out there, but you gotta be willing to pay for them.
Photoshop Elements excells at gradients.
The plugin that ErinF mentioned? I find it to be comically bad-- it appears to only to be able to add gradients to an entire page and not a simeple image- such as a square. That alone makes it borderline useless.
It's called Adobe Express for a reason- it creates things quickly.
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You know what else costs a lot of money? Software subscriptions.
Get it done or lose business. If you want to apologize for multi-billion dollar company's laziness that's on you. As for me, I've learned to stop attaching the names of software with what they actually offer many years ago.
Getting it done quickly is also part of working smart. It's not smart to exclude the most basic of tools in your platform while your direct competitor offers it without incident, regardless of it's platform.
But you keep up the great work apologizing and enabling poor B-C habits. 👍🏻
Don't worry, it won't be long before you're on the other side of your own value lecture when it's a feature or tool YOU value, and the company you want to deliver that feature or tool couldn't be bothered.
Gradient masks are a nonsensical workaround. I can't believe we're even talking about this. How much resources went into developing the workaround? More irony.
You continue to enjoy those gradient masks. I'm going to continue disciplining Adobe on its poor habits. M'k? Great. Thank me later.
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Hi @Matt Matt
Adobe Express offers a wide range of powerful tools, and while every design platform has its unique approach, it's important to appreciate the many features already available. Regarding gradients, Adobe Express does provide gradient functionality through add-ons like Text Gradient and Gradients, which allow users to create linear, radial, and conic gradients with ease.
Each design tool serves different need. Adobe Express continues to evolve, and feedback like yours helps shape future improvements.
Thank you!

