A gradient is a set of colors arranged in a linear order. The most basic use of gradients is by the Gradient tool, sometimes known as “gradient fill tool”: it works by filling the selection with colors from a gradient. You have many options to choose from for controlling the way the gradient colors are arranged within the selection. There are also other important ways to use gradients, including:

GIMP comes presupplied with a large number of gradients. You can also add new gradients that you create or download from other sources. You can access the full set of available gradients using the Gradients dialog, a dockable dialog that you can either activate when you need it, or keep around as a tab in a dock. The “current gradient”, used in most gradient-related operations, is shown in the Brush/Pattern/Gradient area of the Toolbox. Clicking on the gradient symbol in the Toolbox is an alternative way of bringing up the Gradients dialog.

Some quick examples of working with gradients (for more information see Gradient Tool) are:

Algumas coisas úteis para saber sobre degradês do GIMP:

Os degradês que são fornecidos com o GIMP são armazenados em uma pasta gradients do sistema. Por padrão, os degradês que você cria são armazenados em uma pasta chamada gradients em seu diretório pessoal do GIMP. Todos os arquivos de degradê (terminando com a extensão .ggr) encontrados em uma destas pastas, serãocarregados automaticamente quando você iniciar GIMP. Você pode adicionar mais diretórios ao caminho de pesquisa de degradês, se você quiser, na guia Degradês das Pastas, no diálogo de Preferências.

GIMP can also load gradient files in SVG format, used by many vector graphics programs. To make GIMP load an SVG gradient file, place it in the gradients folder of your personal GIMP directory, or any other folder in your gradient search path.