The Free Gradient component generates a two-color gradient between two arbitrary endpoints. The component can generate three gradient types: linear, radial or angular. Its difference from the Profile Gradient component is that its endpoint coordinates aren't confined to the image boundaries, can be made independent of the Size slider, and can be mapped with HDR values. This is a map component, it can be located in the Gradients category on the Components Bar. This component can output HDR colors.
Free Gradient is a non-seamless component. Its presence in a filter disables the Seamless Tiling checkbox, unless you force-enable it in the Overrides dialog or connect it to so-called “seamlessizer inputs” exclusively. For more information, see Non-Seamless Components.
Color 1 and 2: Map Inputs (HDR)
These two parameters define the key colors of the gradient. When a map component is connected to any of these inputs, its output is 'seen through' the area of the corresponding color. These inputs can accept HDR colors.
Start X and Start Y: Map Inputs (HDR)
These inputs define the coordinates of the start point of the gradient. The way these coordinates are interpreted is defined by the XY Anchor input. Since Start X and Start Y are map inputs, their values can be controlled separately for different image areas by connecting a map component. These inputs can accept HDR colors.
End X and End Y: Map Inputs (HDR)
These inputs define the coordinates of the end point of the gradient. The way these coordinates are interpreted is defined by the XY Anchor input. Since End X and End Y are map inputs, their values can be controlled separately for different image areas by connecting a map component. These inputs can accept HDR colors.
Specifies the type of the gradient: Linear, Radial or Angular. When a map component is connected to this input, the number of the selected list item is determined separately for different image areas by the HDR brightness level of the image supplied by that component. The item number is calculated as the brightness level rounded to the nearest integer: the brightness level of 0 to 0.5 corresponds to the first item, the level of 0.5 to 1.5 to the second item, and 1.5 to 2.5 to the third item. Out-of-range values are clipped, which corresponds to the last item of the list.
Specifies one of four modes of gradient continuation beyond endpoints: Flat, Repeat, Mirror or Relative Repeat. The last mode is a kind of extrapolation: for example, if you create a left-to-right gradient from black to white using the Relative Repeat method, the brightness will continue to rise beyond the white endpoint, and fall beyond the black endpoint.
When a map component is connected to this input, the number of the selected list item is determined separately for different image areas by the HDR brightness level of the image supplied by that component. The item number is calculated as the brightness level rounded to the nearest integer: the brightness level of 0 to 0.5 corresponds to the first item, the level of 0.5 to 1.5 to the second item, 1.5 to 2.5 to the third item etc. Out-of-range values are clipped, which corresponds to the last item of the list.
Determines how the coordinate values supplied by Start X, Start Y, End X and End Y inputs are interpreted. For more information, see How XY Anchor Works.
When a map component is connected to this input, the number of the selected list item is determined separately for different image areas by the HDR brightness level of the image supplied by that component. The item number is calculated as the brightness level rounded to the nearest integer: the brightness level of 0 to 0.5 corresponds to the first item, the level of 0.5 to 1.5 to the second item, and 1.5 to 2.5 to the third item. Out-of-range values are clipped, which corresponds to the last item of the list.
