RGB Gradient Light

Choose your first gradient color using the color picker or hex input

Choose a second gradient color for the opposite end of the blend

Select the gradient direction — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal

Adjust the midpoint to bias the blend toward either color

Click Fullscreen to expand the gradient across your entire display

Linear vs Radial Gradients

A linear gradient transitions smoothly between two colors along a straight axis — horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. A radial gradient emanates from a central point outward, creating a circular or elliptical blend. Linear gradients are more versatile for photography and video use since they produce even split-tone lighting. Radial gradients create a spotlight effect — useful for product photography where you want to draw attention to the center of frame.

Split-Tone Photography

Split-tone lighting places two different colored lights on opposite sides of the subject. The technique creates visual depth and a striking editorial look — popularized in music video and fashion photography. A magenta-to-cyan gradient, for example, illuminates the left side of a face with warm pink and the right with cool blue. The blend between them creates a naturalistic transition rather than a hard color line.

Color Harmony for Gradients

The most visually pleasing gradients use colors that are harmonious: complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel) create high contrast and tension; analogous colors (adjacent on the wheel) create smooth, natural transitions. A blue-to-purple gradient is analogous — elegant and calm. A red-to-cyan gradient is complementary — bold and dynamic. Start with the palette presets to explore both categories before customizing.

Using Screens as Practical Lights

In film and photography, a "practical light" is a real light source visible in the shot — a lamp, neon sign, or window. A large screen displaying a gradient acts as a practical light: it illuminates the subject and is visible in the background, adding color and depth simultaneously. Positioning a 27-inch monitor with a gradient 45 degrees to camera left provides both key illumination and a colorful background element in one.

RGB and Gaming Aesthetics

RGB lighting in gaming peripherals and PC builds is driven by the same design principles as gradient lighting in photography — color creates mood and signals personality. A red-to-black gradient matches aggressive gaming themes; blue-to-purple suits sci-fi aesthetics; orange-to-yellow complements warm, retro setups. Using this tool as a screen gradient that matches your peripheral RGB sync creates a cohesive, immersive desktop environment.

Gradient Direction and Composition

Gradient direction determines how color energy flows through the frame. A top-to-bottom gradient suggests sky and ground — natural, grounding. A left-to-right gradient implies movement and direction. A diagonal gradient creates dynamic tension and draws the eye across the composition. For portrait photography, a left-to-right diagonal at 45 degrees typically produces the most flattering split-tone effect, as it aligns with the natural direction of face illumination.

RGB gradient lighting creates a colorful two-tone or multi-tone background light effect, popular for gaming setups, product photography with colorful backgrounds, creative videos, and artistic projects.