What is a Gradient?
 
A gradient is a special type of matte which fades your image gradually to transparency.
Enhanced & Extreme Users will see six gradient options available in the frame editor.
(Essentials users can apply non-adjustable matte-type gradients from the mattes drop-down list.)

Image by David Ziser

You can select the type of gradient you would like to apply to your images, then adjust it.

Softness
The edges of the gradient are softened or sharpened.

Midpoint
Increases or decreases the "highlight" zone of the image.

Angle
Rotates the gradient.

Center X and Center Y
When the Rectangular, Circular and Diamond gradients are selection, you can define the location of the highlight by altering the two center point axes with these controls.
 
 

Creative applications
Gradients can be applied to frames containing images, textures or to empty tinted frames for a variety of creative effects. It can be used to soften images, or apply texture or colour effects.

Example 1: Gradients applied to images
Frame containing a photo, with gradient, applied on top of a tinted canvas background frame.
To recreate this effect, tint the canvas background with a solid color. Apply a single image and expand it to fill the background, then apply a gradient to image.

Image by David Ziser

Images by Kent Smith

 

Example 2: Gradients applied to texture

Frame with a dotScrap paper and a gradient applied, on top of canvas containing another dotScrap paper.
To recreate this effect, drop a paper on the background canvas frame. Add a second paper on the canvas, then add a gradient. Adjust the size of the frame and type of gradient to change the effect.
 
The bride photo example has the gradient frame on top of the central image; the senior portrait shows the gradient frame underneath the central image.

Image by David Ziser

Image by Kent Smith

Example 3: Gradients applied to tinted empty frame
Two empty frames, with background opacity = 255 and color applied, added on top of a central image.

Image by David Ziser

Image by Kent Smith