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What Is Gradient Mapping and How It Colors Images
Gradient mapping replaces the luminance values of an image with colors from a gradient. Dark pixels take the color from the left end of the gradient, bright pixels take the color from the right end, and mid-tones are mapped to colors in between. This creates vivid, stylized images with complete control over the color palette.
Unlike simple color overlays or duotone, gradient mapping can use any number of color stops along the gradient. This allows for complex color schemes that map shadows, mid-tones, and highlights to entirely different hues, creating effects ranging from subtle color grading to surreal psychedelic transformations.
How the Gradient Map Tool Works
Define a multi-stop gradient and watch it transform your image in real time within your browser.
- Upload your image — select any JPG, PNG, or WebP file by clicking or dragging it onto the upload area
- Configure the gradient — add, remove, and reposition color stops along the gradient bar, or choose from built-in presets like sunset, ocean, and neon themes
- Export the mapped image — preview the color-mapped result at full resolution and download it
Try it free — no signup required
Open Gradient Map Tool →When To Use Gradient Mapping
Gradient mapping excels at creative recoloring and artistic transformations.
- Color grading — apply cinematic color grades by mapping shadows to cool tones and highlights to warm tones, simulating popular film look styles
- Data visualization — map satellite imagery, thermal data, or scientific images to perceptually uniform color ramps for clearer interpretation
- Artistic recoloring — transform photographs into stylized illustrations with custom palettes for posters, album art, and digital artwork
Frequently Asked Questions
How many color stops can I use?
You can add as many color stops as you need along the gradient bar. Two stops create a simple duotone-like effect, while five or more stops give you precise control over how each luminance range is colored. The tool pre-computes a 256-entry lookup table for efficient mapping.
What is the difference between gradient map and duotone?
Duotone uses exactly two colors that blend linearly from shadow to highlight. Gradient mapping uses a full gradient with multiple stops, allowing you to assign different colors to shadows, quarter-tones, mid-tones, three-quarter-tones, and highlights independently. Gradient mapping is the more flexible technique.
Can I save and reuse gradient presets?
The tool comes with built-in presets that you can apply with one click. For custom gradients, note down your color stop values and positions to recreate them in future sessions.