Edit multiple gradients (gradient tool)

[BibbidiBobbidiBob]

I'm not sure if I'm missing something or if this isn't (yet) a feature.

When working with multiple gradients on a layer, I'm only able to edit the last one.

Being able to edit it at all is great but this feature would be even better if I could switch to another gradient and edit this one. Especially for masks this would be a huge help.

[S_Gans]

Hi. I'm wondering if you're using the Gradient Tool in Classic Gradient mode. If so, it's simply creating pixel level gradients. Once those are set, they're not really editable. To make them, you'd make your selection, and simply drag the gradient into it, then hit the check in the control bar, or hit enter to "set" it.
The newer method (since somewhere about 2023, is that the Gradient Tool, when set to just Gradient, makes a Gradient Adjustment Layer. These are completely editable. To do so, you'd click the gradient swatch icon in the Layer panel, and you can change the gradient at will. 

Take a look at the screenshots:

[BibbidiBobbidiBob]

Thanks for your suggestion. 

The important word here is: mask.

In a mask, while creating a black/white gradients, only the last gradient is editable as far as I can tell. 

[S_Gans]

I do think it's the same question. If you have an active selection, and use the Gradient Tool in gradient mode, it automatically creates that layer mask on an Adjustment Layer. But if you simply fill pixels with the Tool in Classic mode, and then mask it, it's still uneditable. I think the operable word isn't "mask" but rather, "Adjustment Layer". Adjustment Layers (as made by the default Gradient tool) are, by definition, editable. If that makes sense.

[Trevor.Dennis]

Thanks for your suggestion. 

The important word here is: mask.

In a mask, while creating a black/white gradients, only the last gradient is editable as far as I can tell. 

By @BibbidiBobbidiBob

You would be best off using the new Gradient tool for this.

So long as you select the Mask tool and the layer mask, it remains fully editable until Zaphod Beeblebrox finally arives at The Restaurant at the End of the Universe. 

The Firefly engine did such a nice job of making the robot look sad.  It's little thing like that, that make these Ai tools so useful.

[Semaphoric]

But Trevor, you only have one gradient in the mask. It sounds like the OP is looking for multiple editable gradients in the same mask, like you can build up with Classic Gradients and various blending modes, but those are not editable.

[Trevor.Dennis]

OK, I missed that.   The only way I can think of doing that is with nested Groups or Smart Objects each with their own mask.  It would be better to see the entire picture, and understand why the OP thinks they need that workflow.  There could be a different aproach that avoids that complication.

[Claire H.]

Hi @BibbidiBobbidiBob, I'm just checking in to see if the suggestion helped or if you still have any questions? Let us know how things are going. Thanks! ^CH

[BibbidiBobbidiBob]

Thanks for bumping this issue. I entirely forgot about answering.

@Semaphoric already showed exactly what I tried to decribe. Having two (intersecting) gradinents in one mask only gives you the option of editing the last one.

This aspect could be improved in my opinion.

@Trevor.Dennis there sure are many ways to achieve what I want. For me the question is if there could be a cleaner way to do it (with the improvement of this tool).

The idea would be a hybrid of the classical and the new gradient tool.