How to Extract a Color Gradient From Any Image and Apply It to Another in Photoshop

If you like the colors on a specific image, you can extract its color gradient to apply to your own image in Photoshop. Here's how to do it.

December 8, 2022 · 2 min · 271 words · Lauren Buckley

Table of Contents

Let’s get started.

What Is a Color Gradient?

A color gradient consists of one or more colors distributed across an image that varies in brightness values.

A woman holding a spherical gradient

It can be subtle and unintentional or creatively and intentionally dramatic.

Either way, all images with one or more colors can be defined as having a color gradient.

We’re going to show you how to apply the color gradient of one image to another.

Color Gradient example

you’ve got the option to alsocreate custom color gradients in Photoshop.

The Gradient as an Adjustment Layer

The regular Gradient is found in the Adjustments menu.

It functions as a wash that can be applied directly over any existing colors.

Step 2 Windows Libraries

Think of it as a coat of paint that covers the color information directly underneath.

The Gradient Map as an Adjustment Layer

The Gradient Map is also found in the Adjustments menu.

This results in more subtle effects but can also look more natural.

Step 4 Select Extract Image

The Gradient Tool

The Gradient Tool is found in the Photoshop toolbar.

This will make more sense once we demonstrate all three tools in action.

We’re done with the sample image.

Step 5 Choose Gradients

you could exit the menu boxes and move to the next step.

We only shifted the controls on theGradient Mapeditor slightly, checked theReversebox, and changed theOpacityto61%.

It also doesn’t have nearly as many controls as the Gradient and Gradient Map tools.

Step 7 Move the Handles

Let’s use the Gradient tool on our previous edit to refine the image even more.

The result is a more refined look than if we were to simply reduce the layer Opacity.

you’ve got the option to alsouse frequency separation in Photoshop to retouch skin.

Step 8 Save to CC Libraries

Step 3 Choose Create Gradient Preset

Step 4 Save gradient name

Step 5 Choose Gradient

Step 6 Set Foreground colors to black and white

Step 7 Click inside the Gradient box

Step 8 Click on the new gradient preset

Step 10 Choose Hard Light blend mode

Step 12 Adjust menu settings in Gradient Fill box

Step 13 Reduced Opacity to 45 percent

The Gradient Map example

Gradient Editor Adjustments

Step 1 Click on the Gradient Map layer mask to make it active

Step 2 Click on the Gradient Tool

Step 3 Drag from the model’s head to her hand

Final Result