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Hello,
Since the Photoshop 21.0.2 release I am now unable to make and transform a simple radial gradient as I used to (to make custom drop shadows). It has become a much more complicated process with the new presets panel and I haven't been able to understand how to make this process simpler.
Can you please tell me what am I missing?
Before the update, I would simply:
• create a new layer
• select gradient tool in the tool panel
• select radial gradient
• draw my gradient on the new layer
• command T to transform my gradient however I wished
Now the only way I have figured out how to do this same thing involves many more steps:
• create new layer
• draw a shape with marquee
• select gradient tool
• select a preset from gradient presets (or make a new preset)
• the shape becomes filled with linear gradient
• click on layers panel to open up gradient fill options
• select radial gradient
• convert to smart object (or rasterize layer) since I am unable tranform it without flattening the gradient fill
• command T to transform
Thank you for any insight to helping me make this process easier as it once was.
»Why do you say a "Gradient Layer in a Smart Object makes more sense to me"?«
My three-point advice to Photoshop beginners is
• Smart Objects
• Smart Objects
• Smart Objects
Non-destructive image editing allows for maintaining editabilty – in this case one can transform the Smart Object instance and still edit the Gradient Layer within the Smart Object (for example to change the 100% Opacity position or the Opacity Midpoint). Also multiple instances of the Smart Object in an image update in one go.
E
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I see no practical hindrance to your old approach … naturally a Gradient Layer in a Smart Object makes more sense to me, but I don’t understand what your problem is, the Gradient Tool still exists after all.
Edit:
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Thank you kindly for the response.
My set up does not appear to work like yours. For some reason the gradients going from solid-to-transparent don't work as expected, see this video. It creates a solid fill (1st part of the video). However when I select a solid-to-solid gradient it fills the entire layer (2nd part). Before it would just fill the space where I drew the line.
Is it working differently for you?
c_pfaffenbichler Why do you say a "Gradient Layer in a Smart Object makes more sense to me"?
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»Why do you say a "Gradient Layer in a Smart Object makes more sense to me"?«
My three-point advice to Photoshop beginners is
• Smart Objects
• Smart Objects
• Smart Objects
Non-destructive image editing allows for maintaining editabilty – in this case one can transform the Smart Object instance and still edit the Gradient Layer within the Smart Object (for example to change the 100% Opacity position or the Opacity Midpoint). Also multiple instances of the Smart Object in an image update in one go.
Edit:
Have you reset the Tool yet?
What have you done for trouble-shooting so far?
Restoring Preferences after making sure all customized presets like Actions, Patterns, Brushes etc. have been saved might be a good starting point:
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/kb/basic-trouble-shooting-steps.html
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Thank you again for the very thoughtful response.
First, you are reassuring me that what I am experiencing may be a bug which is a very helpful place to start. I thought I was just not understanding something with the upgrade.
Second, you are encouraging me to use smart objects. I have been using photoshop since the 90s before smart objects existed and while I use them sometimes, I haven't totally embraced them, and you have peaked my interest to use them more. Illustrator is my #1 tool these days but it's always good to be making our work flow more efficient. 🙂
I will trouble shoot a little later and circle back. thanks again!!
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»First, you are reassuring me that what I am experiencing may be a bug which is a very helpful place to start.«
No!
I am indicating that it may be a malfunction – which is not the same as a bug.
If conventional trouble-shooting cannot restore the expected behaviour (and it can ideally be reproduced by other users) it might be a bug but so far I doubt it.
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You were correct - not a bug! Sorry for misusing that term.
Restore preferences worked! I am very grateful. And this is the first time I am using this forum and just saw the rules that I should have tried that first. Sorry for that!
Thank you again for all your help! 🙂 🙂 🙂
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When I posted here first (or rather on one of this Forum’s predecessors) I think I didn’t know how to restore Photoshop’s Preferences myself and someone had to explain it to me …