{"id":31653,"date":"2021-07-14T12:19:26","date_gmt":"2021-07-14T16:19:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.photoshopessentials.com\/?p=31653"},"modified":"2024-06-02T09:20:52","modified_gmt":"2024-06-02T13:20:52","slug":"how-to-color-grade-images-in-photoshop-with-gradient-maps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.photoshopessentials.com\/newsite\/photo-editing\/how-to-color-grade-images-in-photoshop-with-gradient-maps\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Color Grade Images in Photoshop with Gradient Maps"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"summary\">\n<p>Give your photos a more cinematic look by learning how easy it is to color grade images in Photoshop using gradient maps. Watch the video or follow along with the written tutorial below it!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"video3\">\n<div class=\"video-container\">\n    <iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YIJto9o8gv4\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"pdf-download-link\">Download PDF: <a href=\"\/?s2member_file_download=pdf\/photo-retouch\/2021-Color_Grading_Images_with_Gradient_Maps.pdf&s2member_skip_confirmation\" title=\"Download PDF\">2021 - Color Grading Images with Gradient Maps<\/a> <\/p>\n<div id=\"author\">Written by Steve Patterson.<\/div>\n<p>In this tutorial, I show you how to color grade an image in Photoshop using a gradient map image adjustment. You'll learn how gradient maps work, why they are perfect for color grading, and how to use a gradient map to give your image a more cinematic look by replacing the photo's original colors with colors from a gradient.<\/p>\n<p>I also show you how to combine gradient maps with layer blend modes for different results, how to save your gradient colors as presets that can be quickly applied to other images, and even how to drag and drop gradient maps from one image to another!<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<p>We've got a lot to cover, so let's get started!<\/p>\n<p class=\"members-ad-top\"><a href=\"\/print-ready-pdfs\/\">Download all of our Photoshop tutorials as PDFs!<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-top:0;\">Which Photoshop version do I need?<\/h3>\n<p>For best results with this tutorial, you'll need Photoshop 2020 or later. That's because Adobe made changes to the gradients in 2020 and earlier versions will look quite different. I'm using Photoshop 2021 but everything is fully compatible up to 2023. You can <a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adobe.com%2Fproducts%2Fphotoshop.html\" title=\"Get Adobe Photoshop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">get the latest version of Photoshop here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">What's the difference between color grading and color correction?<\/h2>\n<p>Color grading and color correction are two different things. Color correction is all about fixing problems with the image by adjusting the exposure, the contrast, white balance and more.<\/p>\n<p>But color grading is more about creativity. Color grading is the process of replacing the photo's original colors with colors that are more artistic. And the goal with color grading is not to show reality but to set the mood or tone of the image, to convey a sense of atmosphere or fantasy, or to give the image a more cinematic look. <\/p>\n<p>Color grading is not a replacement for color correction. Instead, color grading is usually an extra step after the color correction is done. This tutorial assumes you have already color corrected your image.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Why are gradient maps great for color grading images? <\/h2>\n<p>As we\u2019ll see, gradient maps are perfect for color grading because they make it easy to change the colors in your image based on their brightness values. Each color in the image, from the darkest shadow to the brightest highlight, is <em>mapped<\/em>, or linked, to the same brightness value in a gradient. Simply choose colors for the gradient, and those colors instantly become the new colors in the image! Let\u2019s see how it works. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">How to follow along...<\/h2>\n<p>You can follow along with this tutorial by opening any image in Photoshop. I\u2019ll use this image (<a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fstock.adobe.com%2Fimages%2Fpretty-model-woman-outdoors-portrait-perfect-young-face%2F249313498\" title=\"View image on Adobe Stock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">outdoor portrait photo<\/a> from Adobe Stock):<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/original-image.jpg\" alt=\"The original image that will be color graded in Photoshop\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The original image.<\/div>\n<p>In the <a href=\"\/basics\/layers\/layers-panel\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Layers panel<\/a>, the image opens on the Background layer, which is currently the only layer in the document:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/layers-panel-photoshop.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's Layers panel showing the image on the Background layer\" width=\"295\" height=\"224\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Photoshop's Layers panel showing the image on the Background layer.<\/div>\n<p><strong>See also:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/408pygM\" title=\"Watch the video on YouTube\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Watch the video for this tutorial on YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 1: Add a Gradient Map adjustment layer<\/h2>\n<p>The best way to use a gradient map in Photoshop is to apply it as an <a href=\"\/photo-editing\/adjustment-layers-in-photoshop-and-why-you-should-use-them\/\" title=\"Learn more\">adjustment layer<\/a>. The adjustment layer will keep the gradient map separate from your original image, and will make it easy to edit the gradient and try out different colors. <\/p>\n<h3>Method 1: From the Layer menu<\/h3>\n<p>There are a few ways to add a Gradient Map adjustment layer. One is by going up to the <strong>Layer<\/strong> menu in the Menu Bar: <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/open-layer-menu.png\" alt=\"Opening the Layer menu in Photoshop's Menu Bar\" width=\"274\" height=\"101\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Opening the Layer menu in the Menu Bar.<\/div>\n<p>Choosing <strong>New Adjustment Layer<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/choose-new-adjustment-layer.png\" alt=\"Selecting New Adjustment Layer from the Layer menu.\" width=\"226\" height=\"93\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting New Adjustment Layer from the Layer menu.<\/div>\n<p>And then choosing <strong>Gradient Map<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/choose-gradient-map-layer-menu.png\" alt=\"Choosing a Gradient Map adjustment layer.\" width=\"156\" height=\"85\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Adding a Gradient Map adjustment layer.<\/div>\n<p>Choosing an adjustment layer from the Layer menu opens the <strong>New Layer<\/strong> dialog box where you can name the layer before adding it. But I\u2019ll click <strong>Cancel<\/strong> so we can look at two faster ways to add one:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/new-layer-dialog-box.png\" alt=\"Closing the New Layer dialog box.\" width=\"432\" height=\"165\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking Cancel to close the New Layer dialog box.<\/div>\n<h3>Method 2: From the Adjustments panel<\/h3>\n<p>A second way is to open the <strong>Adjustments panel<\/strong> and click the <strong>Gradient Map<\/strong> icon (the last icon on the right, bottom row):<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/choose-gradient-map-adjustments-panel.png\" alt=\"Adding a Gradient Map from Photoshop's Adjustments panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"199\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Adding a Gradient Map from the Adjustments panel.<\/div>\n<h3>Method 3: From the Layers panel<\/h3>\n<p>And the third way is from the <strong>Layers panel<\/strong>. Click the <strong>New Fill or Adjustment Layer<\/strong> icon at the bottom:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/click-new-fill-adjustment-layer-icon.png\" alt=\"Clicking the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon in Photoshop's Layers panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"252\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon.<\/div>\n<p>And choose <strong>Gradient Map<\/strong> from the list: <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/choose-gradient-map-layers-panel.png\" alt=\"Adding a Gradient Map adjustment layer from Photoshop's Layers panel.\" width=\"183\" height=\"97\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Adding a Gradient Map adjustment layer.<\/div>\n<h3>The gradient map\u2019s default gradient <\/h3>\n<p>Whichever way you choose to add it, the Gradient Map adjustment layer appears above the image in the Layers panel:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/gradient-map-adjustment-layer-added.png\" alt=\"The new Gradient Map adjustment layer in Photoshop's Layers panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"245\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The new Gradient Map adjustment layer.<\/div>\n<p>And by default, the gradient map <a href=\"\/photo-editing\/converting-color-photos-to-black-and-white-in-photoshop\/\" title=\"Learn more\">converts the image to black and white<\/a>: <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/gradient-map-initial-black-and-white-image.jpg\" alt=\"The new Gradient Map adjustment layer in Photoshop's Layers panel.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The new Gradient Map adjustment layer.<\/div>\n<h3>Where do I find the gradient map options?<\/h3>\n<p>The options for the Gradient Map adjustment layer appear in Photoshop\u2019s <strong>Properties panel<\/strong>. And here we see that the reason the image is in black and white is because by default, gradient maps use a <strong>black to white gradient<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>So the original colors in the shadows are being replaced with black or dark gray, the highlights are replaced with white or light gray, and the colors in the midtones have all turned to the various shades of the gray in the middle of the gradient. We\u2019ll come back to this and learn more in a moment:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/default-gradient-properties-panel.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's Properties panel showing the default gradient.\" width=\"295\" height=\"183\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Photoshop's Properties panel showing the default gradient.<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/basics\/using-the-enhanced-properties-panel-in-photoshop\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Related: Using the enhanced Properties panel in Photoshop<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Why is my default gradient not black to white?<\/h3>\n<p>If your gradient colors are something other than black and white, that\u2019s because the default gradient is actually based on your current <strong>Foreground and Background colors<\/strong>, which just happen to be black (for the Foreground color) and white (for the Background color) by default.<\/p>\n<p>So if your colors were set to something else when you added the gradient map, those colors will appear in the gradient and your image will look very different. But don\u2019t worry because I\u2019ll show you how to choose Photoshop\u2019s actual Black, White gradient (and why you\u2019ll want to do so) next.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 2: Open the Gradient Editor<\/h2>\n<p>To choose different colors for your image, edit the gradient by clicking the <strong>gradient preview bar<\/strong> in the Properties panel:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/click-gradient-preview-bar.png\" alt=\"Clicking the gradient preview bar in Photoshop's Properties panel.\" width=\"296\" height=\"173\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the gradient preview bar.<\/div>\n<p>This opens the <strong>Gradient Editor<\/strong>. And notice that the name of our current gradient is \u201cForeground to Background\u201d, not \u201cBlack to White\u201d:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/gradient-editor-foreground-to-background.png\" alt=\"Photoshop's Gradient Editor showing the default Foreground to Background gradient.\" width=\"471\" height=\"404\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Gradient Editor showing the Foreground to Background gradient.<\/div>\n<h3>How to reset the gradient to black and white<\/h3>\n<p>But when choosing colors for your image, it\u2019s usually best to start with a black to white gradient. So if your initial colors are not black and white, or to reset the gradient to black and white at any time, go up to the <strong>Presets<\/strong> area at the top of the Gradient Editor, twirl open the <strong>Basics<\/strong> folder (new as of Photoshop 2020) and choose the <strong>Black, White gradient<\/strong> by clicking its thumbnail:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/choose-black-white-gradient.png\" alt=\"Selecting Photoshop's Black, White gradient from the Basics folder\" width=\"470\" height=\"273\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the Black, White gradient from the Basics folder.<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/basics\/find-missing-shapes-gradients-and-patterns-in-photoshop-cc-2020\/\" title=\"Learn more\">Related: Find the missing gradients in Photoshop!<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">How gradient maps work<\/h2>\n<p>Before we start choosing colors, let\u2019s learn more about how gradient maps work. Gradient maps replace the original colors in your image with the colors in your gradient. The original colors are mapped to the gradient colors based on their brightness values. And whichever color in the gradient has the same brightness value as the original color becomes the new color in the image.<\/p>\n<p>The left side of the gradient represents the shadows in the image. The right side is for the highlights. And the middle of the gradient is the midtones: <\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/how-gradient-maps-work.jpg\" alt=\"How gradient maps work in Photoshop\" width=\"800\" height=\"526\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Gradient maps replace the original colors with the gradient colors based on brightness.<\/div>\n<h3>Shadows on the left, highlights on the right<\/h3>\n<p>But it\u2019s important to know that no matter which colors you choose, the left side of the gradient is <em>always<\/em> the shadows and the right side is <em>always<\/em> the highlights.<\/p>\n<p>So with our current black to white gradient, we\u2019re setting the shadows to black and the highlights to white. But if we swap the colors by dragging the black color stop to the right and the white color stop to the left:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/swap-black-white-color-stops.png\" alt=\"Swapping the positions of the black and white color stops in the gradient.\" width=\"474\" height=\"194\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Swapping the position of the black and white color stops.<\/div>\n<p>The left side of the gradient is still the shadows and the right side is still the highlights. So now we're setting the shadows to white and the highlights to black, creating this inverted look:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/shadows-highlights-inverted.jpg\" alt=\"Swapping the black and white colors in the gradient inverts the brightness in the image.\" width=\"802\" height=\"526\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Reversing the black and white colors inverts the brightness.<\/div>\n<p>Reset the gradient to black on the left and white on the right by reselecting the <strong>Black, White gradient<\/strong> in the <strong>Presets<\/strong> area:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/reselect-black-white-gradient.jpg\" alt=\"Resetting the gradient by reselecting the Black, White preset\" width=\"800\" height=\"526\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Resetting the gradient by reselecting the Black, White preset.<\/div>\n<aside><p class=\"members-ad-top\"><a href=\"\/print-ready-pdfs\/\">Download all of our Photoshop tutorials as PDFs!<\/a><\/p><\/aside>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 3: Edit the gradient colors<\/h2>\n<p>To add colors to the image, all we need to do is choose new colors for the gradient. I\u2019ll start by showing you how to create a simple <a href=\"\/photo-effects\/how-to-create-a-monochromatic-color-effect-in-photoshop\/\" title=\"Learn more\">monochromatic look<\/a> by adding a single color to the midtones. And then we\u2019ll learn how to add colors to the shadows, the highlights, and anywhere in between.<\/p>\n<h3>Option A: Adding a single color to the midtones<\/h3>\n<p>An easy but effective way to color grade an image is to leave the shadows black and the highlights white and add a single color to the midtones.<\/p>\n<h4>Step A.1: Add a new color stop<\/h4>\n<p>In the Gradient Editor, add a new color stop for the midtones by clicking in the empty space below the middle of the gradient bar:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/add-middle-color-stop.png\" alt=\"Adding a color stop below the middle of the gradient.\" width=\"469\" height=\"203\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking to add a color stop below the middle of the gradient.<\/div>\n<h4>Step A.2: Set the color stop\u2019s location to 50 percent<\/h4>\n<p>Ideally, we want this new color stop to appear exactly halfway between black on the left and white on the right. So set the <strong>Location<\/strong> of the color stop to <strong>50 percent<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/set-color-stop-location-50percent.png\" alt=\"Setting the new color stop's location to 50 percent.\" width=\"469\" height=\"198\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Setting the new color stop's location to 50 percent.<\/div>\n<h4>Step A.3: Choose a color for the midtones<\/h4>\n<p>Then to change its color, click the <strong>color swatch<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/color-swatch-midtones.png\" alt=\"Clicking the color swatch to choose a new color.\" width=\"469\" height=\"209\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the color swatch.<\/div>\n<p>And choose a new color from the Color Picker. I\u2019ll choose a brown-orange by setting the <strong>Hue<\/strong> (<strong>H<\/strong>) value to <strong>30<\/strong> degrees and the <strong>Saturation<\/strong> (<strong>S<\/strong>) to <strong>20<\/strong> percent. And because we set the Location of this color to 50 percent in the gradient, I\u2019ll set the <strong>Brightness<\/strong> (<strong>B<\/strong>) value to the same <strong>50<\/strong> percent. When you\u2019re done, click OK to close the Color Picker:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/color-picker-choose-sepia.jpg\" alt=\"Choosing a color for the midtones from the Color Picker.\" width=\"544\" height=\"410\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Choosing a color for the midtones from the Color Picker.<\/div>\n<p>And with just that single color in the middle of the gradient, I\u2019ve added a nice sepia tone to the image:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/color-grade-image-sepia.jpg\" alt=\"The color grading effect with a single color applied to the midtones.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The result with a single color applied to the midtones.<\/div>\n<p>To try a different color, click the <strong>color swatch<\/strong> again:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/edit-sepia-color.jpg\" alt=\"Clicking the color swatch to change the midtone color.\" width=\"468\" height=\"212\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the color swatch.<\/div>\n<p>And then choose a new color from the Color Picker. I\u2019ll leave the <strong>Saturation<\/strong> (<strong>S<\/strong>) at <strong>20<\/strong> percent and the <strong>Brightness<\/strong> (<strong>B<\/strong>) at <strong>50<\/strong> percent, but I\u2019ll change the color from orange to blue by changing the <strong>Hue<\/strong> (<strong>H<\/strong>) value to <strong>210<\/strong> degrees. Click OK to close the Color Picker:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/color-picker-midtone-blue.jpg\" alt=\"Changing the hue from orange to blue.\" width=\"544\" height=\"410\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Changing the hue from orange to blue.<\/div>\n<p>And now I\u2019ve gone from a sepia tone to a colder bluish tone:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/color-grade-image-blue.jpg\" alt=\"The midtones in the image are now a colder blue.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The midtones are now a colder blue.<\/div>\n<h4>Step A.4: Close the Gradient Editor<\/h4>\n<p>When you\u2019re happy with the color, click OK to close the Gradient Editor:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/close-gradient-editor.png\" alt=\"Closing Photoshop's Gradient Editor.\" width=\"469\" height=\"153\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Closing the Gradient Editor.<\/div>\n<h4>Step A.5: Lower the adjustment layer's opacity<\/h4>\n<p>Of course, color grading an image does not have to mean replacing the original colors completely. In fact, you\u2019ll usually want to dial back the new color and blend it with the originals. And the simplest way to do that is by lowering the <strong>opacity<\/strong> of the Gradient Map adjustment layer.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<p>The Opacity option is found in the upper right of the Layers panel. The more you lower the opacity below 100 percent, the more you\u2019ll fade the gradient map\u2019s color and allow the photo\u2019s original colors to show through.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll lower the adjustment layer\u2019s opacity to <strong>50 percent<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/lower-layer-opacity-50percent.png\" alt=\"Lowering the Gradient Map adjustment layer's opacity.\" width=\"295\" height=\"228\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Lowering the adjustment layer's opacity.<\/div>\n<p>At 50 percent opacity, I\u2019m blending 50 percent of the color from the gradient map with 50 percent of the photo\u2019s original colors. And now instead of replacing the original colors, I\u2019m simply adding a bluish tint to them. We\u2019ll look at other ways to blend the gradient map with the original colors a bit later:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/image-tinted-blue.jpg\" alt=\"The color grading effect with the gradient map's opacity lowered to 50 percent.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The result with the gradient map's opacity lowered to 50 percent.<\/div>\n<h4>Comparing the gradient map effect with the original image<\/h4>\n<p>You can toggle the gradient map on and off to compare its effect with the original image by clicking the adjustment layer\u2019s <strong>visibility icon<\/strong> in the Layers panel:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/gradient-map-visibility-icon.png\" alt=\"The Gradient Map adjustment layer's visibility icon.\" width=\"309\" height=\"175\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Click the visibility icon to toggle the gradient map on and off.<\/div>\n<p>On the left is my original image. And on the right is the effect from the gradient map:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/compare-original-blue-tint.jpg\" alt=\"Comparing the original image with the gradient map version.\" width=\"802\" height=\"274\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The image without (left) and with (right) the gradient map applied.<\/div>\n<h3>Option B: Add multiple colors to the gradient<\/h3>\n<p>So now that we know how to add a single color to the midtones, let\u2019s look at how to add colors to the shadows and highlights.<\/p>\n<p>First, in the Layers panel, I\u2019ll reset the <strong>opacity<\/strong> of my Gradient Map adjustment layer back to <strong>100 percent<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/reset-gradient-map-opacity.png\" alt=\"Setting the Gradient Map adjustment layer-s opacity back to 100 percent.\" width=\"295\" height=\"198\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Setting the opacity back to 100 percent.<\/div>\n<h4>Step B.1: Open the Gradient Editor<\/h4>\n<p>In the Properties panel, reopen the Gradient Editor by clicking the <strong>gradient preview bar<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/reopen-gradient-editor.png\" alt=\"Clicking the gradient preview bar in Photoshop's Properties panel\" width=\"295\" height=\"176\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the gradient preview bar.<\/div>\n<p><strong>How to delete a color stop<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll start once again with a black to white gradient, which means we don\u2019t need the color stop in the middle that we added previously. To delete a color stop, click on it to select it:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/select-middle-color-stop.jpg\" alt=\"Selecting the color stop below the midtones in the gradient.\" width=\"468\" height=\"137\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the color stop below the midtones.<\/div>\n<p>And then click the <strong>Delete<\/strong> button:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/delete-color-stop.jpg\" alt=\"Clicking the Delete button to delete the color stop.\" width=\"468\" height=\"209\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Deleting the selected color stop.<\/div>\n<p>You could also revert the gradient back to black and white by selecting the Black, White gradient from the Presets area.<\/p>\n<p>And now we\u2019re back to gradient and our image in black and white:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/back-to-black-and-white-image.jpg\" alt=\"Starting the color grading again with a black to white gradient.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Starting again with a black to white gradient.<\/div>\n<h4>Step B.2: Select the left color stop and change its color<\/h4>\n<p>To add a color to the shadows, click the <strong>black color stop<\/strong> on the left to select it:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/select-black-color-stop.jpg\" alt=\"Selecting the color stop below the left of the gradient.\" width=\"472\" height=\"139\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the color stop below the left of the gradient.<\/div>\n<p>And then to change its color, click the <strong>color swatch<\/strong>. Or you can double-click directly on the color stop itself:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/black-color-swatch.jpg\" alt=\"Clicking the color swatch to choose a color for the shadows in the image.\" width=\"468\" height=\"209\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the color swatch to choose a shadow color.<\/div>\n<p>Then choose a new color from the Color Picker. I\u2019ll choose a color that\u2019s easy to see, like red, by setting the <strong>Hue<\/strong> (<strong>H<\/strong>) value to <strong>5<\/strong> degrees. Since this color is being used for the shadows, you\u2019ll want to choose a dark shade. So I\u2019ll set the <strong>Brightness<\/strong> (<strong>B<\/strong>) to <strong>20<\/strong> percent. And since dark colors need more saturation to avoid looking gray, I\u2019ll set the <strong>Saturation<\/strong> (<strong>S<\/strong>) value to <strong>80<\/strong> percent:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/color-picker-red-shadows.jpg\" alt=\"Choosing a dark red for the shadows in the image.\" width=\"545\" height=\"411\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Choosing a dark red for the shadows.<\/div>\n<p>Click OK to close the Color Picker. And the shadows in the image have gone from black to dark red:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/image-shadows-dark-red.jpg\" alt=\"The shadows in the image have turned dark red.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The shadows have gone from black to dark red.<\/div>\n<h4>Step B.3: Select the right color stop and change its color<\/h4>\n<p>Next, add a color to the highlights by double-clicking on the <strong>white color stop<\/strong> on the right:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/double-click-white-color-stop.jpg\" alt=\"Selecting the color stop below the right of the gradient.\" width=\"468\" height=\"140\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the color stop below the right of the gradient.<\/div>\n<p>And then choosing a new color from the Color Picker. I\u2019ll go with yellow for the highlights by setting the <strong>Hue<\/strong> (<strong>H<\/strong>) value to <strong>40<\/strong>. Since lighter colors don\u2019t need as much saturation, I\u2019ll set the <strong>Saturation<\/strong> (<strong>S<\/strong>) value to <strong>30<\/strong> percent. And since we want a bright color for the highlights, I\u2019ll leave the <strong>Brightness<\/strong> (<strong>B<\/strong>) value at 100 percent:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/color-picker-yellow-highlights.jpg\" alt=\"Choosing a bright yellow for the highlights in the image.\" width=\"545\" height=\"411\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Choosing a bright yellow for the highlights.<\/div>\n<p>Click OK to close the Color Picker. And now I\u2019ve added yellow highlights to go with my red shadows:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/image-red-shadows-yellow-highlights.jpg\" alt=\"The highlights in the image have turned bright yellow.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The highlights have turned from white to yellow.<\/div>\n<h4>Step B.4: Adjust the midpoint of the gradient (optional)<\/h4>\n<p>Notice the small diamond shape between the two color stops. If you can\u2019t see it, click on either color stop to make it visible. This is the <strong>midpoint marker<\/strong> where the two colors blend together:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/gradient-midpoint-marker.jpg\" alt=\"The midpoint marker between the two colors in the gradient.\" width=\"468\" height=\"162\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The midpoint marker between the two colors.<\/div>\n<p>By default, the midpoint marker sits halfway between the two color stops. But you can drag the midpoint left or right to bring more of the highlight or shadow color into the midtones.<\/p>\n<p>If I drag the midpoint to the left:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/drag-gradient-midpoint-left.jpg\" alt=\"Dragging the midpoint marker closer to the shadows.\" width=\"468\" height=\"206\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging the midpoint marker closer to the shadows.<\/div>\n<p>I brighten the midtones by pulling down more of the yellow highlight color and pushing the red color further into the shadows:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/midpoint-left-brighten-midtones.jpg\" alt=\"The midtones are lighter after dragging the midpoint marker to the left.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The midtones are now lighter.<\/div>\n<p>And if I drag the midpoint to the right:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/drag-gradient-midpoint-right.jpg\" alt=\"Dragging the midpoint marker closer to the highlights.\" width=\"468\" height=\"187\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging the midpoint marker closer to the highlights.<\/div>\n<p>Then I darken the midtones by pulling up more of the shadow color:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/midpoint-right-darken-midtones.jpg\" alt=\"The midtones are darker after dragging the midpoint marker to the right.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The midtones are now darker.<\/div>\n<p>To reset the midpoint back to the middle, change its <strong>Location<\/strong> value to <strong>50 percent<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/midpoint-location-50percent.jpg\" alt=\"Resetting the midpoint marker's location to 50 percent.\" width=\"468\" height=\"212\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Resetting the midpoint marker's location to 50 percent.<\/div>\n<h4>Step B.5: Add a third color stop for the midtones<\/h4>\n<p>To gain even more control over the midtones, add a color stop below them, just like we did earlier.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<p>Click in the empty space below the middle of the gradient to add a new color stop. Then make sure its <strong>Location<\/strong> is set to <strong>50 percent<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/add-third-color-stop-location-50percent.jpg\" alt=\"Adding a third color stop and setting its location to 50 percent.\" width=\"467\" height=\"211\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Adding a third color stop and setting its location to 50 percent.<\/div>\n<h4>Step B.6: Choose a color for the midtones<\/h4>\n<p>Double-click on the new stop to open the Color Picker:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/double-click-midtone-color-stop.jpg\" alt=\"Double-clicking on the color stop.\" width=\"468\" height=\"139\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Double-clicking on the color stop.<\/div>\n<p>And then choose a color. I\u2019ll go with orange (halfway between the red shadows and yellow highlights) by setting the <strong>Hue<\/strong> (<strong>H<\/strong>) to <strong>25<\/strong> degrees and the <strong>Saturation<\/strong> (<strong>S<\/strong>) to <strong>40<\/strong> percent. And since this color stop\u2019s location is at 50 percent, I\u2019ll set the <strong>Brightness<\/strong> (<strong>B<\/strong>) value to <strong>50<\/strong> percent.<\/p>\n<p>You don\u2019t always need to match the brightness and location values exactly, but it helps to keep the location in mind so you don\u2019t end up choosing colors that are too dark or too bright for that part of the image:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/color-picker-new-midtone-color.jpg\" alt=\"Choosing a color for the midtones.\" width=\"544\" height=\"410\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Choosing a color for the midtones.<\/div>\n<p>Click OK to close the Color Picker. And I now have three colors in my gradient; one for the shadows, one for the highlights, and one for the midtones. You can add more color stops to the gradient for even more control over your colors, but I\u2019ll stick with three:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/image-three-color-gradient.jpg\" alt=\"The color graded image with separate colors for the shadows, highlights and midtones.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The result with separate colors for the shadows, highlights and midtones.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 4: Save your gradient as a new preset<\/h2>\n<p>At this point, we\u2019re done editing the gradient. But if you want to use this same gradient again with other images, then before closing the Gradient Editor, save your gradient as a preset.<\/p>\n<p>First, if you haven\u2019t done this already, create a new group to hold your custom gradients. In the <strong>Presets<\/strong> area, scroll down to the last folder in the list. Then <strong>right-click<\/strong> (Win) \/ <strong>Control-click<\/strong> (Mac) on the folder and choose <strong>New Gradient Group<\/strong> from the menu:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/create-new-gradient-group.jpg\" alt=\"Adding a new gradient group in the Presets area.\" width=\"468\" height=\"372\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Right-click (Win) \/ Control-click (Mac) on the bottom folder and choose New Grading Group.<\/div>\n<p>Give the new group a name. I'll name mine <q>My Gradients<\/q>. Then click OK:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/name-new-gradient-group.png\" alt=\"Naming the new gradient group.\" width=\"494\" height=\"131\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Naming the new gradient group.<\/div>\n<p>The new group appears below the others:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/new-gradient-group-created.png\" alt=\"The new gradient group is added.\" width=\"470\" height=\"239\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The new group is added.<\/div>\n<p>Then give your new gradient a name. I\u2019ll name mine <q>Red_orange_yellow<\/q>. When you\u2019re done, make sure your custom gradients folder is selected in the Presets area, and then click the <strong>New<\/strong> button to create the new preset:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/name-and-create-gradient.png\" alt=\"Naming and creating the new gradient preset in Photoshop's Gradient Editor.\" width=\"471\" height=\"147\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Naming and creating the new gradient preset.<\/div>\n<p>The new preset appears as a thumbnail in the folder so you can quickly select it the next time you need it:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/new-gradient-preset-created.png\" alt=\"The new preset is added to the new group.\" width=\"470\" height=\"267\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The new preset is added to the new group.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 5: Close the Gradient Editor<\/h2>\n<p>We\u2019ve created our gradient and saved it as a new preset, which means we\u2019re done with the Gradient Editor. So go ahead and close it by clicking OK:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/close-gradient-editor2.png\" alt=\"Closing Photoshop's Gradient Editor.\" width=\"470\" height=\"156\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Closing the Gradient Editor.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 6: Change the gradient map\u2019s blend mode<\/h2>\n<p>As I mentioned earlier, color grading an image does not usually mean replacing the photo\u2019s original colors. More often, we want to blend the gradient map into them.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<p>We\u2019ve already seen that we can fade the gradient map into the image by lowering the adjustment layer\u2019s <strong>Opacity<\/strong> value. Here\u2019s my image with the opacity at the default <strong>100 percent<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/gradient-map-normal-opacity100.jpg\" alt=\"The gradient map effect at 100 percent opacity.\" width=\"807\" height=\"457\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The gradient map effect at 100 percent opacity.<\/div>\n<p>If I lower the opacity down to <strong>40 percent<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/layer-opacity-40percent.png\" alt=\"Lowering the gradient map's opacity to 40 percent.\" width=\"294\" height=\"197\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Lowering the opacity to 40 percent.<\/div>\n<p>Then instead of replacing the colors completely, I\u2019m simply adding a red, orange and yellow tint to the original colors:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/gradient-map-normal-opacity40.jpg\" alt=\"The gradient map effect at 40 percent opacity.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The gradient map effect at 40 percent opacity.<\/div>\n<p>But a more powerful way to blend the gradient map and the image together is by using Photoshop\u2019s blend modes. And there are three layer blend modes that tend to work best when color grading images; <strong>Normal<\/strong>, <strong>Color<\/strong> and <strong>Soft Light<\/strong>. We\u2019ve already been using one of these blend modes whether we knew it or not. But let\u2019s look at all three and compare them.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">The Normal blend mode<\/h2>\n<p>The Blend Mode option is found in the upper left of the Layers panel, directly across from the Opacity option. And the default blend mode is <strong>Normal<\/strong>, which is what we\u2019ve been using so far:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/normal-blend-mode.png\" alt=\"The blend mode of the Gradient Map adjustment layer is set to Normal by default.\" width=\"295\" height=\"227\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Normal is the default layer blend mode.<\/div>\n<h3>How the Normal blend mode works<\/h3>\n<p><q>Normal<\/q> really just means <q>off<\/q>. There is no interaction at all between the active layer (the Gradient Map adjustment layer) and the image below it. And the advantage with using the Normal blend mode with a gradient map is also its disadvantage; the colorized version of the image has less contrast than the original.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll increase the opacity of my gradient map back to 100% so we can better see what\u2019s happening:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/gradient-map-opacity100.png\" alt=\"Setting the Gradient Map adjustment layer's opacity back to 100 percent.\" width=\"295\" height=\"152\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Setting the opacity back to 100 percent.<\/div>\n<h3>Normal = Less contrast than original image<\/h3>\n<p>On the left is my original image without the gradient map applied. On the right is with the gradient map set the Normal blend mode. And notice how much brighter the shadows are in the colorized version, and how much darker the highlights are:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/compare-original-normal-blend-mode.jpg\" alt=\"A comparison of original image (left) and the gradient map set to Normal (right).\" width=\"805\" height=\"275\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The original image (left) and the gradient map set to Normal (right).<\/div>\n<p>The reason is that any color we choose for the shadows is naturally going to be brighter than black. And any color we choose for the highlights will be darker than white. So the lighter shadows and darker highlights result in an image with less overall contrast.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you view the lower contrast as an advantage or a disadvantage depends on the look you want to achieve. Brighter shadows and darker highlights can be great for adding a more cinematic look to your photo. And you can always lower the opacity of the gradient map to bring back more of the original contrast:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/compare-normal-100-40-percent.jpg\" alt=\"A comparison of the Normal blend mode at 100 percent opacity (left) and 40 percent opacity (right).\" width=\"805\" height=\"275\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Normal blend mode at 100 percent (left) and 40 percent (right) opacity.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">The Color blend mode<\/h2>\n<p>But even at lower opacity values, the Normal blend mode still results in less contrast. So if you want to avoid lowering the contrast when color grading an image, then a better blend mode to try is <strong>Color<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/color-blend-mode.png\" alt=\"Changing the gradient map's blend mode to Color.\" width=\"294\" height=\"231\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Changing the gradient map's blend mode to Color.<\/div>\n<h3>How the Color blend mode works<\/h3>\n<p>The Color blend mode keeps the brightness values of the image below the adjustment layer and blends only the colors from the gradient map. The result is a colorized image with the same contrast as the original.<\/p>\n<h3>Color = Same contrast as original image<\/h3>\n<p>On the left is the original image, and on the right is with the gradient map set to Color. The overall contrast in both versions is the same. Only the colors have changed:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/compare-original-color-blend-mode.jpg\" alt=\"A comparison of the original image (left) and the gradient map set to Color (right).\" width=\"805\" height=\"275\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The original image (left) and the gradient map set to Color (right).<\/div>\n<p>And here is a comparison between the Normal blend mode (left) and the Color blend mode (right):<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/compare-normal-color-blend-modes.jpg\" alt=\"A comparison of the gradient map set to the Normal (left) and Color (right) blend mode, both at 100 percent opacity.\" width=\"805\" height=\"275\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The gradient map set to Normal (left) and Color (right), both at 100 percent opacity.<\/div>\n<p>Of course, you can still lower the <strong>Opacity<\/strong> value to bring back some of the original color. I\u2019ll lower the opacity to <strong>50 percent<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/color-blend-mode-opacity50.png\" alt=\"Lowering the opacity of the Gradient Map adjustment layer to 50 percent.\" width=\"295\" height=\"200\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Lowering the opacity to 50 percent with the Color blend mode.<\/div>\n<p>And here\u2019s the result using the Color blend mode at 50 percent opacity:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/image-blendmode-color-opacity-50.jpg\" alt=\"The gradient map effect using the Color blend mode at 50 percent opacity.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The gradient map effect using the Color blend mode at 50 percent opacity.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">The Soft Light blend mode<\/h2>\n<p>So the Normal blend mode results in less contrast than the original image, and the Color blend mode keeps the contrast the same. But what if you want a colorized version with even more contrast than the original? For that, you\u2019ll want the <strong>Soft Light<\/strong> blend mode:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/soft-light-blend-mode.png\" alt=\"Changing the gradient map's blend mode to Soft Light.\" width=\"295\" height=\"200\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Changing the gradient map's blend mode to Soft Light.<\/div>\n<h3>How the Soft Light blend mode works<\/h3>\n<p>Soft Light is one of several blend modes in Photoshop that boost contrast in the image. When used with a gradient map, Soft Light uses the shadow color in the gradient to further darken the shadows, and the highlight color to push the highlights even brighter. The result is a colorized version with higher contrast than the original.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h3>Soft Light = Higher contrast than the original image<\/h3>\n<p>On the left is the original image, and on the right is with the gradient map set to Soft Light:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/compare-original-soft-light-blendmode.jpg\" alt=\"A comparison of the original image (left) and the gradient map set to Soft Light (right).\" width=\"805\" height=\"275\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The original image (left) and the gradient map set to Soft Light (right).<\/div>\n<p>Here is a comparison of all three blend modes, with Normal on the left, Color in the middle and Soft Light on the right:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/compare-three-blend-modes.jpg\" alt=\"A comparison of using the Normal, Color and Soft Light blend modes with a gradient map.\" width=\"807\" height=\"187\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Normal (left), Color (middle) and Soft Light (right) blend modes.<\/div>\n<p>And just like we\u2019ve seen with Normal and Color, you can always fade the effect of the Soft Light blend mode to dial back the contrast by lowering the gradient map\u2019s <strong>opacity<\/strong>. On the left is the full effect with the gradient map\u2019s opacity at 100 percent. And on the right is with the opacity lowered to 50 percent:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/compare-softlight-100-50.jpg\" alt=\"A comparison of the Soft Light blend mode at 100 percent opacity and 50 percent opacity.\" width=\"805\" height=\"275\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The Soft Light blend mode at 100 percent (left) and 50 percent (right) opacity.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">Step 7: Edit the gradient colors if needed<\/h2>\n<p>After changing the gradient map\u2019s blend mode, the initial colors you chose for the gradient may need their brightness or saturation adjusted. So just click once again on the gradient preview bar in the Properties panel:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/click-gradient-preview-bar-properties-panel.jpg\" alt=\"Clicking the gradient preview bar in Photoshop's Properties panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"162\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the gradient preview bar.<\/div>\n<p>And then double-click on any of your color swatches to edit its color in the Color Picker:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/edit-gradient-color-swatches.jpg\" alt=\"Double-click on any color swatch below the gradient to edit the color.\" width=\"473\" height=\"163\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Double-click on any color swatch to edit the color.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">How to try out different gradient maps with your image<\/h2>\n<p>Another advantage to adding gradient maps as adjustment layers is that we can add more than one to try out different colors. And we can easily switch between them to choose the one we like best.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: Turn off the original gradient map<\/h3>\n<p>In the Layers panel, turn off your original Gradient Map adjustment layer by clicking its <strong>visibility icon<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/turn-off-first-gradient-map.png\" alt=\"Turning off the original gradient map in Photoshop's Layers panel.\" width=\"310\" height=\"166\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Turning off the original gradient map.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Duplicate the adjustment layer<\/h3>\n<p>Then make a copy of it by dragging it down onto the <strong>New Layer<\/strong> icon (second icon from the right):<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/duplicate-gradient-map-adjustment-layer.png\" alt=\"Dragging the Gradient Map adjustment layer onto the New Layer icon in the Layers panel.\" width=\"295\" height=\"240\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging the adjustment layer onto the New Layer icon.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 3: Turn on the copy<\/h3>\n<p>The copy appears above the original. Turn on the copy by clicking its <strong>visibility icon<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/turn-gradient-map-copy-on.png\" alt=\"Turning on the copy of the Gradient Map adjustment layer.\" width=\"310\" height=\"186\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Turning on the copy above the original.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 4: Set the layer blend mode<\/h3>\n<p>Notice that the copy is automatically set to the same blend mode as the original. In my case, it\u2019s Soft Light. If you know the blend mode you\u2019ll be using (Normal, Color, Soft Light), you can change it here before editing the gradient colors. I\u2019ll leave mine at Soft Light:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/gradient-map-copy-blend-mode.png\" alt=\"Setting the blend mode of the new gradient map before choosing colors.\" width=\"295\" height=\"247\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Setting the blend mode before choosing new colors.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 5: Open the Gradient Editor<\/h3>\n<p>In the Properties panel, the gradient preview bar shows that we\u2019re currently using the same colors as before. Click the preview bar to open the Gradient Editor:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/reopen-gradient-editor-2.jpg\" alt=\"Clicking the gradient preview bar in the Properties panel to open the Gradient Editor.\" width=\"295\" height=\"170\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Clicking the gradient preview bar to open the Gradient Editor.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 6: Reset the gradient to black and white (optional)<\/h3>\n<p>If you find it easier to start with the black to white gradient, then in the <strong>Presets<\/strong> area of the Gradient Editor, select the <strong>Black, White gradient<\/strong> from the <strong>Basics<\/strong> folder:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/reselect-black-white-gradient-2.png\" alt=\"Choosing the Black, White gradient from the Presets area of Photoshop's Gradient Editor.\" width=\"470\" height=\"271\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Resetting the gradient back to black and white.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 7: Choose new gradient colors<\/h3>\n<p>Then choose different colors for your gradient. This time I\u2019ll choose teal for the shadows by setting the <strong>Hue<\/strong> (<strong>H<\/strong>) to <strong>180<\/strong>, the <strong>Saturation<\/strong> (<strong>S<\/strong>) to <strong>80<\/strong> and the <strong>Brightness<\/strong> (<strong>B<\/strong>) to <strong>35<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p>And for the highlights, I\u2019ll choose orange by setting the <strong>Hue<\/strong> (<strong>H<\/strong>) to <strong>25<\/strong>, the <strong>Saturation<\/strong> (<strong>S<\/strong>) to <strong>50<\/strong> and the <strong>Brightness<\/strong> (<strong>B<\/strong>) to <strong>95<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s the result, with the gradient map set to the Soft Light blend mode:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/image-teal-shadows-orange-highlights.jpg\" alt=\"The image using the teal and orange gradient map set to the Soft Light blend mode.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The result of the teal and orange gradient map set to Soft Light.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 8: Save your new colors as a preset<\/h3>\n<p>Just like we did before, you can save your new colors as a preset. In the <strong>Presets<\/strong> area, make sure your custom gradient folder is selected (mine is called \u201cMy Gradients\u201d). Give your new preset a name. I\u2019ll name mine \u201cTeal_orange\u201d. And then click the <strong>New<\/strong> button to save it.<\/p>\n<p>Note, though, that saving your gradient as a preset only saves the colors. It does not save the blend mode you\u2019re using in the Layers panel or the opacity value. So if choosing one of your presets gives you unexpected results, make sure the blend mode and opacity are set correctly:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/save-second-gradient-preset.jpg\" alt=\"Saving a second custom gradient preset in Photoshop's Gradient Editor.\" width=\"470\" height=\"282\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Saving a second custom gradient preset.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 9: Close the Gradient Editor<\/h3>\n<p>Then click OK to close the Gradient Editor when you\u2019re done:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/close-gradient-editor2.png\" alt=\"Closing Photoshop's Gradient Editor.\" width=\"470\" height=\"156\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Closing the Gradient Editor.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 10: Switch between the Gradient Map adjustment layers<\/h3>\n<p>In the Layers panel, the gradient maps appear as separate adjustment layers above the image. You can toggle them on and off to choose the one you like best by clicking their <strong>visibility icons<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Be careful not to have both adjustment layers turned on at the same time, otherwise you will see the result of both gradient maps blending together (although that may also produce interesting results):<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/toggle-gradient-map-adjustment-layers.png\" alt=\"Use the visibility icons to switch between gradient maps in the Layers panel.\" width=\"300\" height=\"184\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Use the visibility icons to switch between gradient maps.<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"sub\">How to copy a gradient map to another image<\/h2>\n<p>Finally, once you\u2019ve chosen your gradient colors in the Gradient Editor and you\u2019ve set the blend mode and opacity for the adjustment layer in the Layers panel, it\u2019s easy to copy the entire color grading effect over to a different image. We do that by copying the adjustment layer itself from one image to another.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-middle { display: inline-block; width:300px; margin:6px 0px 24px 0px; padding-top: 16px; padding-bottom: 16px; }\n@media (max-width: 515px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n@media (max-width: 480px) { .ads-middle { margin:20px 0; } }\n<\/style><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- photo effects 300x250 middle responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-middle\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"4216941496\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<h3>Step 1: Open a second image<\/h3>\n<p>First, open a second image by going up to the <strong>File<\/strong> menu and choosing <strong>Open<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/file-open.png\" alt=\"Choosing the Open command from Photoshop's File menu.\" width=\"258\" height=\"107\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Going to File &gt; Open.<\/div>\n<p>Then navigate to the folder than holds your image, click on the image thumbnail to select it, and click <strong>Open<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/select-and-open-image.jpg\" alt=\"Selecting and opening a second image into Photoshop.\" width=\"643\" height=\"412\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting and opening a second image.<\/div>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/adobe.prf.hn\/click\/camref:1100lrdjJ\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fstock.adobe.com%2Fca%2Fimages%2Fportrait-of-a-young-woman%2F318988803\" title=\"View image on Adobe Stock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">second image<\/a> opens in its own separate document:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/second-image-second-document.jpg\" alt=\"The second image opens in a separate Photoshop document.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The second image.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 2: Switch to the original image document<\/h3>\n<p>Switch back to your original image (the one with the gradient map applied) by clicking its <strong>document tab<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/select-first-image-document-tab.png\" alt=\"Using the tabs to switch between open Photoshop documents.\" width=\"723\" height=\"157\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Use the tabs to switch between open documents.<\/div>\n<h3>Step 3: Drag the adjustment layer into the second image<\/h3>\n<p>In the Layers panel, click on the Gradient Map adjustment layer you want to copy over to the second image. In my case, I\u2019ll copy the one on top with the teal and orange colors. Notice that its blend mode is set to Soft Light:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/select-gradient-map-to-copy.png\" alt=\"Selecting the Gradient Map adjustment layer that will be copied to the second image.\" width=\"295\" height=\"212\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Selecting the gradient map to copy to the second image.<\/div>\n<p>Drag the adjustment layer up and onto the tab for the second image document:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/drag-gradient-map-onto-document-tab.jpg\" alt=\"Dragging the Gradient Map adjustment layer from the Layers panel onto the second document's tab.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Dragging the Gradient Map adjustment layer onto the second document's tab.<\/div>\n<p>Keep your mouse cursor held down and over the tab until Photoshop switches to the second image. Then drag the adjustment layer down onto the second image:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/drag-gradient-map-onto-second-image.jpg\" alt=\"Waiting until Photoshop switches to the second image and then dragging the Gradient Map adjustment layer onto it.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">Wait until Photoshop switches to the second image, then drag the adjustment layer onto it.<\/div>\n<p>Release your mouse button, and the color grading effect from the first image is instantly applied to the second image:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/gradient-map-aplied-to-second-image.jpg\" alt=\"The gradient map effect is instantly applied to the second image.\" width=\"803\" height=\"455\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The gradient map effect is instantly applied to the second image.<\/div>\n<p>In the Layers panel, the Gradient Map adjustment layer appears above the image on the Background layer. And notice that its Soft Light blend mode was also copied over, so there\u2019s no need to change it manually. Of course, you can still change the blend mode yourself or adjust the layer\u2019s opacity if needed:<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pe-images.s3.amazonaws.com\/photo-editing\/2021\/color-grading-with-gradient-maps\/layers-panel-gradient-map-second-image.png\" alt=\"The gradient map's blend mode is also copied over from the original image.\" width=\"295\" height=\"241\" \/>\n<div class=\"image-desc\">The gradient map's blend mode is also copied over from the original image.<\/div>\n<p>And there we have it! That\u2019s everything you need to know to start color grading images using a Gradient Map adjustment layer in Photoshop!<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n.ads-bottom { width:300px; padding-top:16px;padding-bottom:16px; }\n<\/style><div align=\"center\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\n<!-- 300x250 page bottom responsive -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle ads-bottom\"\n     style=\"display:block\"\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-6601556224092982\"\n     data-ad-slot=\"2879809098\"\n     data-ad-format=\"rectangle\"\n\t data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/div>\n<p>Be sure to check out more of my <a href=\"\/basics\/\" title=\"Photoshop basics tutorials\">Photoshop Basics<\/a> or <a href=\"\/photo-editing\/\" title=\"Photo editing tutorials\">Photo Editing<\/a> tutorials. And don't forget, all of my Photoshop tutorials are available to <a href=\"\/print-ready-pdfs\/\" title=\"Learn more\">download as PDFs<\/a>!<\/p>\n<div class=\"members-ad\"><a href=\"\/print-ready-pdfs\/\">Get all of our Photoshop tutorials as PDFs!<\/a> Download them today!<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Give your photos a more cinematic look by learning how to color grade images in Photoshop using gradient maps!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31671,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31653","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-photo-editing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Color Grade Images in Photoshop with Gradient Maps<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This tutorial shows you step-by-step how to color grade images in Photoshop using a Gradient Map image adjustment.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.photoshopessentials.com\/newsite\/photo-editing\/how-to-color-grade-images-in-photoshop-with-gradient-maps\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Color Grade Images in Photoshop with Gradient Maps\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to color grade images in Photoshop and give photos a more cinematic look!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.photoshopessentials.com\/newsite\/photo-editing\/how-to-color-grade-images-in-photoshop-with-gradient-maps\/\" \/>\n<meta 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