Gradients

Gradient support was added in NPS Image Editor 5.1.

Gradients are smooth transitions between 2 or more colors. You can store these gradients for later use with the Gradient tool or Gradient Map filter.

Gradient Manager

The Gradient Manager (Tools -> Gradient Manager) allows you to view and edit the gradients in your system.

Gradient stops

A gradient contains 2 or more stops, which are solid colors. The gradient is drawn between the colors.

NPS Image Editor supports any color resolution engine expression for the colors, as well as the foreground and background placeholders that use the currently-selected editing colors.

Stops can be dragged arbitrarily between 2 points. If no percentage is specified, the stop is automatically centered between surrounding stops.

To add a stop, click anywhere between the two stops. To delete it, right-click and choose Delete.

Advanced editing

You can edit the gradient's definition as text by clicking Advanced. This will allow you to manually specify the list of colors and optional positions.

Converting between gradients and swatches

You can turn an existing swatch palette into a gradient, or render a palette from a gradient. Both options are in the Gradient Manager toolbar.

Simplifying a gradient

A gradient can often be simplified to just a few colors, especially if it was generated from a palette. You can click the Simplify button to automate this process.