How to Extract a Color Gradient From Any Image and Apply It to Another in Photoshop
If you’ve ever wanted to use the color gradient from a movie poster or any online picture and apply it to your own image, then this Photoshop tutorial is for you.
We’ll show you not only how to extract a color gradient from another photo but also how to apply the gradient to your own images. Let’s get started.
What Is a Color Gradient?
A color gradient consists of one or more colors distributed across an image that varies in brightness values. It can be subtle and unintentional or creatively and intentionally dramatic. Either way, all images with one or more colors can be defined as having a color gradient.
We’re going to show you how to apply the color gradient of one image to another. you’re able to alsocreate custom color gradients in Photoshop.
The Three Gradient Tools in Photoshop
In order to apply an extracted color gradient to your image, we first need to know what Photoshop tools will help us get the job done. There are three gradient tools in Photoshop that you may use to apply an extracted color gradient:
All three tools have their own specific uses and strengths, and you’ll primarily be using theGradientandGradient Maptools as adjustment layers to apply color gradients after they’re extracted.
The Gradient as an Adjustment Layer
The regular Gradient is found in the Adjustments menu. It functions as a wash that can be applied directly over any existing colors. Think of it as a coat of paint that covers the color information directly underneath.
The Gradient Map as an Adjustment Layer
The Gradient Map is also found in the Adjustments menu. It’s very different from the regular Gradient because the colors in each gradient are assigned luminance values from 0 to 255. This results in more subtle effects but can also look more natural.
The Gradient Tool
The Gradient Tool is found in the Photoshop toolbar. While it can be used similarly to the Gradient adjustment layer, its primary strength lies in applying gradients to layer masks. This will make more sense once we demonstrate all three tools in action.
It’s also worth noting thatyou can apply Blend Modes in Photoshopto any of the adjustment layers to fine-tune your results.
How to Extract a Color Gradient From an Image in Photoshop
Let’s start off with the extraction part of the tutorial. First, we need to open both images in Photoshop; the sample image that you want to extract color from, and the target image that you want to apply the color gradient to.
We’re done with the sample image. You can close the menu boxes and move to the next step.
How to Apply the Color Gradient to Your Image
The color gradient has now been extracted from the sample image and we’re ready to apply it to our image. In this version, we’ll use the Gradient adjustment layer to apply the color gradient. Follow the steps below:
After the final step, you can go back and fine-tune the image thanks to the fact that you’re working on an adjustment layer that is non-destructive.
Using the Gradient Map to Apply the Color Gradient
We’ll show you what the results would look like had we picked the Gradient Map instead of the Gradient back in step 5. The only difference is that we’d be working with the Gradient Editor menu to shape our color gradient.
As you can see, we were able to convincingly change the model’s hair to red. We only shifted the controls on theGradient Mapeditor slightly, checked theReversebox, and changed theOpacityto61%.
Using the Gradient Tool for the Final Touches
The Gradient Tool isn’t meant to apply color gradients directly to the image. It also doesn’t have nearly as many controls as the Gradient and Gradient Map tools. The Gradient Tool works best when it’s applied directly to the layer mask of a Gradient or Gradient Map adjustment layer, allowing for non-destructive editing.
Let’s use the Gradient tool on our previous edit to refine the image even more.
The result is a more refined look than if we were to simply reduce the layer Opacity.
The warmth has been removed from the background and the model’s skin tones and hair are more natural looking. it’s possible to alsouse frequency separation in Photoshop to retouch skin.
Source Your Color Gradient From Any Image
Adobe Photoshop CC makes it easy for you to extract a color gradient from any image and apply it to your own. If you come across an image with a color palette you like, refer back to this article to transform your pictures with extracted color gradients.
Photographing a sunset isn’t as easy as it looks. If you want better results, there are some basic principles to follow.
I found my TV was always listening—so I shut it down.
Quality apps that don’t cost anything.
Every squeak is your PC’s way of crying for help.
OneDrive is one of the best, but it has a catch.
Flagship price, mid-range phone.
