radial gradient

[melissarigoli]

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. 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

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: 

[melissarigoli]

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"?

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

»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

[melissarigoli]

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!!

[c.pfaffenbichler]

»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. 

[melissarigoli]

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! 🙂 🙂 🙂 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

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 …