How to use color gradients for impactful design

Color gradients are everywhere these days, and for good reason. They can transform an ordinary design into something vibrant and dynamic. Whether you're working on a social media post, a poster, or an illustration, gradients can help add depth, movement, and personality to your work.

In this post, we’ll dive into how to use gradients effectively in Linearity Curve, and why they’re such a powerful tool for modern design.

What are gradients?

Gradients are a gradual shift from one color to another, or a blend of multiple colors. They’re a versatile design element that can create a sense of depth, movement, or smooth transitions in your work. You’ve likely come across gradients in everything from website backgrounds to logos, app interfaces, and even typography.

The beauty of gradients is in their simplicity—they’re essentially a way to make two or more colors flow seamlessly together, creating a dynamic effect without the harsh lines or borders you might get with solid colors.

Whether you're using a subtle fade between two shades or a bolder transition across several hues, gradients help add richness and complexity to a design without overwhelming it.

Why gradients are so great

You might be wondering—what’s all the hype about gradients? Well, there’s a lot they can do for your design:

• Add depth: Gradients can give flat designs some much-needed dimension. By transitioning colors, you can create the illusion of light, shadow, and depth.
• Set the mood: Colors aren’t just pretty to look at; they have an emotional impact. A cool blue gradient can feel calm and peaceful, while a fiery orange and red gradient might make your design feel energetic and bold.
• Guide the eye: Gradients can naturally lead the viewer’s eye across your design. If you want to highlight something or draw attention to a specific area, a well-placed gradient is the perfect tool.

How to use gradients in Linearity Curve

In Linearity Curve, you have two gradient options to fill an object: linear and radical.

A linear gradient might fade from one color to another horizontally or vertically, while a radial gradient has a circular pattern that radiates from a central point.

When you’re in the Gradient Mode in the Style Tab these two style options are available. On the left, you can select the Linear Gradient (A) fill option, and the Radial Gradient (B) fill option is on the right.

Draw or select the object you want to fill with a gradient and choose the type of gradient you want to apply.

Step 1: Choose your object and gradient type

Draw a new object or select an existing one that you want to fill with a gradient. Then, choose the type of gradient you'd like to apply (linear or radial).

Step 2: Set your gradient colors

Use the Color Picker and Color Slider to set the two main colors for your gradient. Adjusting a Color Slider will instantly update the gradient on your selected object, so you can see changes in real-time.

Step 3: Customize your gradient

• Add more colors: Tap on the Gradient Bar between two existing colors to add a new Color Slider.
• Distribute colors evenly: Drag your finger (or Apple Pencil) along the middle of the Gradient Bar to evenly space the sliders.
• Reverse the gradient: Swap the positions of the Color Sliders to reverse the direction of the gradient.
• Change the angle: When you apply a gradient to your shape, a line with colored handles will appear on top. You can tap and then drag on the small orange dots to change your gradient’s position and angle.

Tips for using gradients in your designs

While gradients are a great tool, you don’t want to overdo it. Here’s how to use them wisely:

Less is more

Limit your gradient to 2-3 colors. The trick is keeping it subtle—too many hues can make the design feel overwhelming and take away from the overall effect.

Pick colors carefully

Think about the mood you want to create. Analogous colors (like blue and green) tend to blend nicely, while complementary colors (like purple and yellow) can create contrast and excitement.

Not all colors work well together in a gradient. If your transition feels harsh or uncomfortable, it might be time to rethink your color choices.

Pay attention to contrast

If the gradient is too subtle, it can make your design hard to read or distinguish. Make sure there’s enough contrast, especially in text-heavy designs.

Play with transparency

Transparency in gradients can make your design feel lighter and more layered. It’s a great way to create depth without making the colors too bold.

Don’t overuse them

Gradients can be overwhelming if you throw them everywhere. These soft color blends should enhance your design, not compete with it. If you’re using text or images, make sure the gradient doesn’t overpower them. Gradients are best suited to backgrounds or smaller design elements like buttons.

That’s everything you should know about adding eye-catching gradients to your designs. Just remember to keep it balanced, use the right colors, and keep it simple. Happy designing!