Gradient Vectors? - Is it possible?

[Zac3010]

Hey all, I'm trying to gradient a vector in PSCS and I was wondering if it was even possible or if I should just select it and do it onto a new layer. Thanks for the help all.

[malboroman]

I don't think it is possible in PSCS... but I know for sure that it can be done in Illustrator... That is the best vector app in my book...

If you are doing a complete vector piece you really should look into illustrator.

[jonbalza]

Would a gradient adjustment layer or a layer style of "gradient overlay" do what you are looking for? Both would allow you to maintain the vector shape.

[Milkdrop]

just use illustrator and freehand and stop attempting the near impossible on a pixel based program.

[jonbalza]

Near impossible? Try 30 seconds worth of work.

Make a new shape layer. Apply a "Gradient Overlay" layer style to it. Save out as Photoshop EPS. Done.

Now you have both a vector gradient and a vector shape.

[Yusecki]

Not everyone has Illustrator so stop being so blunt

[malboroman]

This doesn't qualify as a vector gradient... it is just a vector shape with a (pixel based) gradient... Although this could just do the trick for Zac3010

[Milkdrop]

well said marlboroman, that was a load of sh*te. Erm sorry to say this but layer styles are pixel based not coordinate based.

[jonbalza]

Originally Posted by malboroman

This doesn't qualify as a vector gradient... it is just a vector shape with a (pixel based) gradient... Although this could just do the trick for Zac3010

my apologies... crap. hmmm.... even the gradient fill doesn't do the trick like I thought it would.

edit: It's not true vector, but checking "Image Interpolation" when exporting out will get a nice improvement, enough for just about anyone's use.

[Milkdrop]

your way is good for making fake vectors etc but i would stick with the pen tool and the gradient tool if i was going to fake some thing.

[Jolt]

Hey there Jon. No idea you hung out here.

it's me.. Scott from PST.

[jonbalza]

Hey Scott... Just me screwing things up around here.

The color scheme is a nice change from browns and black.

[Order]

*cough* style layers... gradient is in there.

[jonbalza]

Originally Posted by Order

*cough* style layers... gradient is in there.

That's kind of what this whole thread has been about, Order... The argument is that even though a gradient on a Layer Style is vector-based, when output, it's not a true vector, that is, it's not resolution independent. It maintains whatever resolution was used in the Photoshop Document.

So, even though you can resize it without losing quality, it's still based on the resolution. It kind of depends on which part of the definition of "vector" you want to use, the resolution independence, or the infinite resizing.

Of course, Zac hasn't gotten back to us to see whether or not any of this is helping him.

[Order]

ohh, I dont remember reading about style layers, just someone who wanted to use the gradient tool in a vector format..