Adding a gradient background to a layer

[mp1624]

Hi I need some help. I made an image and I want to change the colour of the image from a solid colour to a gradient colour but dont know how. Can someone please give me instructions. I would really appreciate it

[Ged_Traynor]

@mp1624 right-click on the layer and select rasterize layer

Then Ctrl click on the layer to make a selection

Then add your gradient

[mp1624]

Thanks @Ged_Traynor for that. Can I ask how you got the gradient to fill out the outside of the rectangle and get the middle to stay white? 

[creative explorer]

@mp1624 I made a video showing you how to create a gradient, it's fairly short (about 3 minutes). But I also wrote it out as well for you too. 

1. Select the Background
   • Select the Magic Wand tool from the toolbar
   • Click on the white background to select it
   
   
2. Apply the Gradient
   • Open a 'Gradient' folder in the Gradient panel
   • Choose a gradient
   
   
3. Change the Gradient Colors Manually
   •  Select the Gradient Tool by pressing G  (keyboard shortcut) or selecting it from the toolbar 
   • You should see a line in the middle of the selected area with a top and bottom circle and a diamond shape in the middle
   
   
4. Modify the Top or Bottom Color
   • Double-click on the top circle.
   •  A color picker dialogue box will open.
   •  Use the color picker or slider, or enter the hexadecimal code if you know it. It will show you in real-time what the color will look like
   •  Choose your desired color and click 'OK' to apply it
   
   
5. Adjust the Gradient 
   • Use the diamond shape in the middle to change the length of the gradient by dragging it up or down
   • Move the circles up or down to shorten or lengthen the gradient
   • Drag the gradient line to the right or left to change the angle of the gradient

[Jeff Arola]

Another way is to use a Gradient Overlay Layer Style

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PPaQrBIvp0

[mp1624]

Hi @Jeff Arola thanks for replying. How did you get the middle of the phone to stay white and apply the gradient to the rest of the phone only?