Gradients, or gradients in other words, are the design technique given to the effect of transition from one color or tone to another color/tone. Classical gradient types such as linear, circular, radial or conical are now less preferred and new gradient types and techniques are being used for modern designs.
Even in the most primitive designs, simple color transitions could be achieved with different methods. We can show screen printing, which is the first method that comes to mind, as an example. It was also very easy to create color transition gradients with the use of paint and other materials for a long time.
Then, color gradients, which can be easily created in digital design processes, attracted attention from the 80s until the beginning of the millennium. Then the designs became more simplified and soft gradients started to be preferred.
In recent years, color transition effects, which designers who produce work related to web design and interface design have benefited from, have started to leave their place to new design trends and modern gradient types. In line with these preferences, gradient tools for web design, simple tools for design applications and web applications such as CSS Gradient Builder have been produced.
In this article, we will talk about these tools, methods and ways to create them.
What is Gradient?
A “gradient” or “color transition” can be defined as a visual effect in which one color gradually transitions to another color. This definition also applies to tonal transitions. By creating a smooth and fluid change between colors on the visual plane, it can create an eye-catching sense of depth and dimension. Gradients are used in a wide range of applications, from user interface (UI) design to graphic design and even artwork.
The use of gradients requires a good understanding of color theory to understand the psychological impact of colors and apply them effectively. For example, creating a cool and calming transition of blue and green, while red and yellow can create a more energetic and vibrant effect. Furthermore, the direction and shape of color transitions have a significant impact on the overall composition of the design.
Vertical transitions can give a sense of elevation and expansion, while horizontal transitions can give a sense of width and stability. In addition, the colors you choose are also of great importance to increase the effect of the gradient.
What are Modern Gradient Types?
If you are bored with classic gradient types and looking for new solutions, these methods will excite you and open your horizons.
Mesh Gradient
To define the Gradient Meshes technique simply, it is a method of creating visuals with the magic of transitions between points by assigning the color or tone you want to each of the points you will throw on the surface. You can create visuals at the level of detail you want by changing or editing the number and location of these points.
The Gradient Mesh tool offered by Adobe Illustrator is like a magic wand for graphic designers. It brings vector designs to life, blending colors in perfect harmony and creating extremely precise transitions on surfaces.
As you can see in the example, it is possible to create a vector that can be detailed from the photo to a very small level of detail with this tool. Also, if you want to create a background, you can create very modern and eye-catching works with mesh gradient.
You don’t have to be limited to colors only. You can create different effects by assigning a different opacity value to each point of the mesh.
Advantages of Gradient Mesh
- Realistic Images: Gradient Mesh seamlessly blends colors and creates precise transitions, bringing extraordinary realism to your designs.
- Detailed Control: By assigning values such as color, opacity and angle to each point of the mesh, you have full control over your design.
- Time Saving: Instead of manually creating complex color transitions and shadows, you can do it much faster and easier with Gradient Mesh.
- Variety: Gradient Mesh can be used in all kinds of designs, from fruits to flowers, landscapes to abstract designs. You can turn your dream visuals into reality without limiting your creativity.
Dynamic Gradient
Going beyond the classic static gradients, we can see that colors gain a whole new dimension with dynamic gradients. Let’s examine what a dynamic gradient is, how they work and how they can be used in visual design.
It is a type of gradient that can change color transitions depending on variables such as user interaction, data flow or time. In this way, unlike static transitions, it offers the viewer an interactive and emotional experience.
How does it work?
A dynamic gradient is usually created using programming languages such as JavaScript or CSS. These languages determine the dynamic behavior of the gradient through code that controls the change of colors. For example, when a website visitor clicks on a button, the colors of the gradient can change to give the button a visual emphasis. Or, with a parallax effect, the gradient can be activated during the transition to create different effects.
Dynamic Gradient Usage Areas
- User Interfaces: User interfaces can be used to attract users’ attention, provide feedback and enrich the overall user experience. For example, in a music player application, the colors of the interface can change according to the type of music playing.
- Data Visualization: Data visualizations can be used to show changes and trends in data. For example, in a weather graph, the colors of the gradient may shift towards red as the temperature increases.
- Animated Graphics: Animations and motion graphics can be used to increase visual interest and create a dynamic atmosphere. For example, dynamic gradients can be used in a commercial to emphasize the prominent features of the product.
Dynamic Gradient Examples
- Emotional Interfaces: In an empathy application, the colors of the interface can change according to the emotional state of the user. For example, when the user is happy, the interface may be in shades of green, and when the user is sad, the interface may be in shades of blue.
- Activity Indicator: A fitness app can use a gradient that changes the background color depending on the intensity of the user’s exercise. When the user is exercising at a slow pace, the background may be blue, while as the pace increases, the gradient may change to red.
- Progress Indicator: In a game interface, the colors of the gradient can change as the player levels up or gains points. In this way, the player’s progress is visually reinforced.
CSS Gradient
We will examine how CSS gradients can be used as a powerful tool in visual design. With CSS, you can create various types of gradients and apply them to different elements of your web pages. This way, you can add depth, dimension and interest to your designs.
The uses of CSS gradients are not limited to this. You can create various effects on your web pages using different gradient types and color combinations.
- Radial gradients: Can be used to create a circular gradient effect that radiates from a point. This effect can be used in elements such as logo design or buttons.
- Conical gradients: Can be used to create a cone-shaped gradient effect radiating from a center. This effect can be used on elements such as backgrounds or menus.
- Elliptical gradients: Can be used to create a gradient effect with an elliptical shape. This effect can be used to create custom design elements or icons.
CSS gradient can also help web designers create a color palette and visual hierarchy. By using colors that are compatible with each other and adjusting the angle and intensity of gradients, you can achieve balance and harmony in your designs.
With the Create Gradient tool, you can create AI-powered gradients. If you don’t have the time or the idea to create very elegant and eye-pleasing close colors, this tool is for you. You can preview the gradient you created instantly, save it for later use and use it in your projects with the CSS code that is generated instantly.
CSS gradients are a powerful and versatile tool for web design. Used creatively, you can give your web pages an aesthetically pleasing look, direct the user’s attention and create visual hierarchy.
- Social media profiles: By using a gradient around your profile picture, you can give your profile a special and engaging look.
- Product pages: By adding a gradient behind product images, you can make the product stand out and attract attention.
- Online stores: You can use gradients to distinguish different categories or product groups.
- Blogs and articles: You can use gradients in headlines or highlight text to grab the reader’s attention and make the text more engaging.
3D Gradient
Visual designers and 3D artists are tasked with bringing digital designs to life. In these virtual worlds, every pixel is carefully placed to shape the viewer’s perception and create a sense of believability. 3D gradients are powerful tools used in 3D modeling and animation software.
Simply put, 3D gradients are used to describe color and tonal transitions on the surface of an object. These transitions determine how the object is perceived from different angles and how it interacts with light. As a result, 3D gradients can be used to simulate the shimmer of a metallic armor, the texture of a soft fabric or the vibrancy of a juicy fruit.
The Key to Realism: Detail and Accuracy
The power of 3D gradients lies in their ability to create detailed and realistic visuals. For example, 3D gradients used on a character’s armor in a video game can be used to mimic different types and textures of metal. Color and tone transitions can be carefully adjusted to reproduce the appearance of different materials, such as shiny steel, matte iron or leather-covered metal.
Light and shadow further enhance the effect of 3D gradients. By considering the position and angle of the light source, shading and glare on the surface of the object can be realistically simulated. This adds depth and dimension to the character and allows the viewer to become more immersed in the virtual world.
3D Gradient Examples
The uses of 3D gradients are limitless. To give a few examples:
- Mimicking the Natural World: 3D gradients can be used to reproduce the juicy appearance of fruits and vegetables, the color gradations of the sky or the foamy surface of waves.
- Animating Artificial Materials: 3D gradients can be used to simulate the texture and appearance of artificial materials such as plastic, glass and wood.
- Fantasy and Science Fiction: 3D gradients can be used to add realism to fantasy elements such as the scales of dragons, the hulls of spaceships or the skins of fantastic creatures.
SVG Gradient
The SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) format is a vector graphics language and has become one of the most important web standards with HTML5.
As you know, the opening speed of pages in web projects is very important for both user experience and SEO. Thanks to SVG gradients, you can reduce an image that you can show at least 30-40 kb in size with a jpg image to the size of bytes and add gradients to your page with almost no burden.
The gradients supported by SVG have the capacity to create rich visual effects, especially in vector drawings. This technique allows you to add vibrancy and depth to graphics and illustrations by providing sharp and clear control of color transitions.
SVG files contain two basic types of gradients: linearGradient and radialGradient. Both gradient types transition between colors in different ways.
LinearGradient: Linear gradients provide color transitions along a straight line between two specified points. This can be used, for example, as a horizontal or vertical transition in a banner or a text background. Similar to CSS, this method can be controlled more directly in SVG and integrated with illustrations.
Sample SVG Code:
<svg width=“100” height=“100”> <defs> <linearGradient id=“solsticeGradient” x1=“0%” y1=“0%” x2=“100%” y2=“0%”> <stop offset=“0%” style=“stop-color:rgb(255,255,0);stop-opacity:1” /> <stop offset=“100%” style=“stop-color:rgb(255,0,0);stop-opacity:1” /> </linearGradient> </defs> <rect width=“100%” height=“100%” fill=“url(#solsticeGradient)” /> </svg>
RadialGradient: Radial gradients provide a circular or spherical spread of colors outward from a center point. This type can create a striking 3D effect, especially when used on buttons, icons and interactive elements. The transition of color from the center to the edges can give an object the feeling of light hitting it.
Sample SVG Code:
<svg width=“120” height=“120”> <defs> <radialGradient id=“glowGradient” cx=“50%” cy=“50%” r=“50%” fx=“50%” fy=“50%”> <stop offset=“0%” style=“stop-color:rgb(255,255,255);stop-opacity:1” /> <stop offset=“100%” style=“stop-color:rgb(0,255,255);stop-opacity:0” /> </radialGradient> </defs> <circle cx=“60” cy=“60” r=“50” fill=“url(#glowGradient)” /> </svg>
You can add gradients to your projects with SVG codes by editing the codes or doing a short research.