This is a great way to add gradients that ‘lift’ elements of your design - if you are like me and obsessed with the little details your designs that is.

So you have the layout sorted and most of your design is done and now its time to turn your attention to the little details that can enhance your design enormously. Using Photoshop to add subtle gradients is a favourite of mine, and if you spend a couple of minutes looking around this website you will see what I mean.

Step 1:
Open up your design in Photoshop.

I am assuming that your design uses Layers as we will be using the ‘Layer Style’ tool

Step 2:
Open up the ‘Layer Style’ menu (which can be located at the bottom of the ‘Layers’ panel) and click ‘Gradient Overlay’.

This will add a vertical Black/White gradient. Click ‘Ok’

Step 3:
Once again open up the ‘Layer Style’ menu, and this time click ‘Colour Overlay’.

Use the colour swatch to change it from the default red and change to ‘Opacity’ to 90%. Hit ‘Ok’

Voila:
Now you have a nice gradient effect that can be used throughout your design.

I mainly use this to draw attention to an element or area, it is a great way to improve any design. If you use this technique then share your link and let us all have a look.