How to Use Radial Gradient in Paint.NET

The radial gradient mode in Paint.NET allows you to create circular, smooth color transitions ideal for glowing effects, circular vignettes, and lighting highlights. This guide explains how to select the Gradient tool, switch its shape setting to radial, choose your colors, and manipulate the on-canvas control handles to achieve the exact look you need.

1. Select the Gradient Tool

Open your image or create a new canvas in Paint.NET. Add a new layer if you want to keep the gradient separate from your background. Select the Gradient tool from the Tools window on the left side, or press the shortcut key G on your keyboard (press it again if the Paint Bucket is active).

2. Set the Gradient Type to Radial

Look at the Tool options bar at the top of the screen. Locate the gradient shape dropdown menu, which defaults to Linear. Click the dropdown and select Radial.

3. Choose Your Colors

In the Colors window, set your Primary and Secondary colors:

  • The Primary color represents the center of the radial circle.
  • The Secondary color represents the outer edge of the circle.
  • If you want to create a fade-to-transparent effect, click More in the Colors window and lower the Opacity - Alpha slider of the Secondary color to 0.

4. Draw the Gradient

Click on the canvas where you want the center of the radial gradient to be. While holding down the left mouse button, drag outward to where you want the outer edge to reach, then release the mouse button.

5. Adjust the Control Handles

After releasing the mouse button, two control handles (small nubs) will remain visible on the canvas:

  • Center Handle: Click and drag this handle to reposition the origin of the circle.
  • Outer Handle: Click and drag this handle to resize the radius or rotate the angle of the transition.
  • To reverse the colors without redrawing, click the Right Mouse Button and drag, or swap the Primary and Secondary colors in the Colors window.

6. Finalize the Gradient

Once you are satisfied with the size, position, and color spread, press Enter or select another tool to commit the gradient to the layer.