Variation 5: Text with gradients.
3. Bi-linear. This is a variation of the linear gradient with a back-to-back repeat pattern. It is called bi-linear in Gimp and reflected in Photoshop. The term "reflected" is probably more descriptive and accurate since this style of gradient is commonly used in web interface which has a "reflective" metallic appearance (gold, chrome, etc.). Pixels on each line perpendicular to the direction of the gradient have the same opacity or transparency. This is also one of the simplest style of gradient which is commonly used to blend from one primary color to another.

Instructions: To see the bi-linear gradient in action, click on either one of the following eyedropper tool to choose your gradient color. To choose an arbitrary direction of the gradient, click and drag the needle pin on the wheel guide to select the gradient angle measured from the 3 o'clock position.

Gimp supports three different methods to repeat a gradient fill: none, sawtooth (abrupt change between alternate blending colors), and triangle (gradual change between alternate blending colors). This option creates infinite design possibilities.

An optional visual guide can be selected to show the starting and ending position of the gradient fill pattern. The gradient fill pattern starts from the center of the circle and ends at the pinhead of the needle.

Bi-linear gradients also work great on multi-colored gradients. The list box shown below contains eight multi-colored gradients that you can find either in Photoshop or Gimp or readily available elsewhere on the Internet.

	Built-in
Guide

4. Square or Diamond. This style is a variation of the radial gradient. Instead of using concentric circular patterns, a square or in Photoshop a diamond (a square rotated 45 degrees from the 3-o'clock position) is used which also generates concentric patterns. Pixels on each concentric contour have the same opacity or transparency. Variations on this gradient style include polygonal shapes such as triangles, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, etc.

	Built-in
Guide

Instead of blending colors, gradients can be present in a layer mask to create a seamless gradual blend between opacities of multiple texture patterns. This variation creates infinite design possibilities. The following illustrations show typical color blending patterns achieved with gradients using layer masks.

Both Photoshop and Gimp can store gradients in a gradient library that is available from the menu or options bar when you select the gradient or blending tool.