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How Do I Create a Gradient Map Adjustment Layer in Photoshop?

Published in Photoshop Adjustments 3 mins read

To create a gradient map adjustment layer in Photoshop, open your Layers panel, click the "Create new fill or adjustment layer" icon (it looks like a half-filled circle), and select "Gradient Map" from the list.

Understanding Gradient Maps

A Gradient Map is a powerful non-destructive adjustment in Photoshop that remaps the grayscale range of an image to the colors of a gradient. This means the colors in your gradient are applied based on the brightness of the pixels in your image.

As the reference states: "Here ingredients work by changing the color of the pixel based on its brightness. So on the left side of this gradient we have the darker pixels and on the right side we have the lighter pixels."

  • Dark areas in your image will take on the color at the left side of the gradient.
  • Midtones will map to the middle colors of the gradient.
  • Bright areas will take on the color at the right side of the gradient.

This allows for creative color toning, black and white conversions, or applying specific color palettes to an image based on its luminance values.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Gradient Map

Creating a Gradient Map adjustment layer is quick and easy:

  1. Open the Layers Panel: Ensure your Layers panel is visible. If not, go to Window > Layers.
  2. Click the Adjustment Layer Icon: At the bottom of the Layers panel, click the "Create new fill or adjustment layer" icon (it's a circle split diagonally in half, one side black, one side white).
  3. Select Gradient Map: From the pop-up menu that appears, choose Gradient Map.


Selecting Gradient Map from the Adjustment Layer menu
Click the adjustment layer icon and select Gradient Map.


A new "Gradient Map" layer will appear above your currently selected layer in the Layers panel. The Properties panel will automatically open, showing the default gradient applied to your image.

Customizing Your Gradient

Once the Gradient Map adjustment layer is created, you can customize the gradient:

  1. Open the Gradient Editor: In the Properties panel for the Gradient Map layer, click directly on the gradient preview bar. This will open the Gradient Editor window.
  2. Choose a Preset: You can select from Photoshop's built-in gradients under the Presets section.
  3. Create a Custom Gradient:
    • Click on the color stops (the small squares below the gradient bar) to change the color mapped to specific brightness levels.
    • Click below the gradient bar to add new color stops.
    • Drag color stops to change their position.
    • Click on the midpoint indicators (small diamonds above the gradient bar) to adjust how colors blend between stops.
    • You can also adjust Opacity Stops above the gradient bar to control transparency.
  4. Click OK: Once you are happy with your gradient, click OK in the Gradient Editor.

The changes will instantly update on your image. Since it's an adjustment layer, you can double-click the layer icon in the Layers panel at any time to reopen the Properties panel and edit the gradient further without permanently altering your original image.

Why Use Gradient Maps?

Gradient maps are incredibly versatile. Here are a few common applications:

  • Color Toning: Apply specific color schemes (e.g., sepia, split toning).
  • Black and White Conversion: Use a black-to-white or white-to-black gradient for unique monochrome effects.
  • Stylized Effects: Create duotones, tritones, or complex color palettes.
  • Abstract Art: Generate interesting color patterns based on image luminance.
  • Complementary Color Effects: Map darks to one color and lights to its complement for dramatic results.

Using a Gradient Map adjustment layer keeps your workflow flexible, allowing you to adjust the effect or blend it with other layers using layer masks and blending modes.