Fine tuning the gradient

We now have five control points in our gradient. The two 

on the left (bluish purple and black) control the box trap 

structure in the center of our image. The next two, one 

transparent and one opaque, create a sharp scalloped 

line outside of the box trap structure. And the fifth 

 You can resize the gradient editor to 

(black/opaque) control point is positioned at the far right 

make it easier to edit control points that 

of the gradient editor.

are closely spaced together.

Insert a new control point somewhere between the second and third points. Color it black, 

  with 0 opacity.

G     

Click and drag this new point slowly to the left and watch how the spaces inside the box 

trap structure become transparent. Place this point just to the right of the second (black) 

control point.

G     

Hold down the Ctrl key and click on the second 

(black/opaque) and third (black/transparent) 

control points. This selects both control points, 

Keyboard shortcuts for gradient editors

allowing them to be moved together.

G     

Since we want to maintain their color and opacity values as they are moved, hold the Shift 

key down and drag the two points left and right. Notice that moving the two points to the 

right makes the shapes fatter, and to the left, thinner.

G     

Find a location for these two points that appeals to you, then click elsewhere on the 

gradient to deselect them.

Now, let s work more with the next two control points   those that control the outer, scalloped edge. 

We are going to add a little sculpted edge to the scalloped frame.

G     

To the right of the fourth (black/transparent) 

and fifth (black/opaque) points, Insert a new 

control point. Make it white and set its Opacity 

to 255. Move it close to the fourth and fifth 

Editing gradients

points.

G     

Insert one more point to the right of the white one. Make this one black and fully opaque, 

also. Move it close to the white point.

G     

Experiment with the spacing of these two newest points    dragging them a little to the right 

and left to see how they affect the width of the scalloped edging. Find an arrangement that 

appeals to you.

G     

Now select and move the grouping of our four scalloped edge control points, maintaining 

their spacing and coloring. Ctrl click each to select and add them to the group. Hold the 

Shift key as you drag them right or left to position the edging. Find a position that appeals 

to you. 

G     

Shift click this layer s Visible icon to toggle all the layers on.

Your image should look something like this:

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