Cannot move a gradient in a Gradient fill layer

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
June 19, 2020
4 replies
19838 views

Creating a simple gradient layer in a document. When I try to reposition the radial gradient I have made I get an error message: "Could not use the gradient tool because the content of the layer is not directly editable" Can anyone help? I am sure it is a simple issue I have overlooked.

[ title changed by moderator ]

Correct answer katndmouse

Ok, I made some progress. The gradient tool is in the usual tool panel. I was looking in the layers. Click that. Then click your gradient on the screen, not in the toolbar. Then I was able to move it, until I could not. Now every time I click the gradient I get the handles and can only resize or move the handles. I think that's because I used the handles to modify my gradient. But now I have no other option and can't move the gradient.

For those of you who are stuck like me, one you have the tool open and can see the handles but can't move it, then you can choose rasterize layer in the layers panel. I finally did that just so I could move it.

pixxxelschubser

Adobe Expert

Glad, that i could help.

😉

D

drakeg439925

New Participant

hi, i dont understand the answer to the question, i have the same issue, i cant drag a gradient either. thank you

A

Aletia25982244ewva

New Participant

I figured out, that the small window with the gradient settings needs to be opened, not closed as I thought. In this case, I can move the gradient.

I have a similair query. I see how it can be moved with the mouse if the panel is open. But I am not able to 'Transform' it, like what was previously possible in Photoshop, >Select layer with gradient > Cmd T> R> and then freely rotate and move (and nudge with keyboard) my gradient to wherever. Is this no longer a feature in Photoshop 2024?

pixxxelschubser

Adobe Expert

Like I said before:

double click the yellow/transparent icon in your layers panel
as long as this panel is open - move the cursor over the midpoint of your gradient (in the picture! ) click and hold the LMB while moving the gradient around

done

If that works for you

Have fun

😉

lwmsmdAuthor

Inspiring

Thanks very much. The key was moving the gradient while the dialogue box was still open. I was editing the gradient then closing the dialog box (or panel) before attempting the repositioning. My Bad.

minglessis

Inspiring

I was having the same problem, now I know that the dialogue box needs to be open/active in order to move the gradient. Very helpful thread here.

pixxxelschubser

Adobe Expert

Thank you for the screenshot.

You created a gradient layer. For editing --> double click the yellow/transparent icon in your layers panel. (It is not possible to use the Gradient Tool on a gradient layer. This tool only works on pixel layers.)

lwmsmdAuthor

Inspiring

yes, I am aware that I cretaed a gradient layer and I know how to edit the gradient. The problem is that now that I have created a radial gradient I cannot move it around to a new location. Multiple teaching videos show this as a possibilty but I cannot seem to do it on this or any other file I have tried.

Thank you