Working with gradients

Making a diagonal grade

You can take a horizontal or vertical grade and use the paste tool to change it into a diagonal grade.

To create a diagonal grade:

1. Create a horizontal or vertical grade.
2. Make a cutout of the grade.
3. Select the paste tool.
4. Adjust the size, shape, and position of the outline tool to the desired dimensions for the diagonal grade.
5. Grab the rotate handle and rotate it until the grade is on the diagonal.
6. Paste the grade on the canvas.
7. When you finish retouching the zoomed image, click apply as many times as necessary to integrate the changes and return to the original canvas.

Grading a shape

In addition to grading the entire canvas, VizPaint2D also lets you grade a specific shape in your canvas. If you grade more than one shape, all of the shapes will use the same grade.

To grade a shape:

1. Select the create tool to open a new canvas.
2. Create the shape you want to grade.
3. Select the grade tool.
4. Select atop from the mode pull-down menu.
5. Click grade.

Making a three-color gradient background

You can expand upon a two-color gradient background by making it a three-color gradient background. This trick works best with horizontal grades.

To create a three-color gradient background:

1. Select the grade tool and click part.
2. Position the outline tool over half the page horizontally or vertically.
3. Select the first two colors.
4. Click grade.
5. Move the outline tool to the ungraded area of the canvas. Overlap it slightly (no more than 1/8") on the existing grade.
6. Use the color you chose for the bottom or right in your first grade as the top or left color in the second grade.
7. Select a new bottom or right color.
8. Click grade again.