PSD Graphics Editor
How to Apply Gradient or Pattern Fill to PSD Layers Using Aspose.PSD for .NET

How to Apply Gradient or Pattern Fill to PSD Layers Using Aspose.PSD for .NET

Gradient and pattern fills make PSD artwork dynamic and brand-compliant. Aspose.PSD for .NET lets you set them on fill or shape layers in code—perfect for batch design or generative graphics.

Real-World Problem

Manually updating gradients or patterns in hundreds of PSD templates is slow and error-prone. Automation is vital for large-scale design or on-the-fly graphics.

Solution Overview

Use Aspose.PSD for .NET to configure gradient or pattern fill settings, then apply them directly to FillLayer or ShapeLayer objects programmatically.

Prerequisites

  1. Visual Studio 2019 or later
  2. .NET 6.0 or later (or .NET Framework 4.6.2+)
  3. Aspose.PSD for .NET from NuGet
  4. PSD file with a fill or shape layer
PM> Install-Package Aspose.PSD

Step-by-Step Implementation

Step 1: Load the PSD File 

using Aspose.PSD;
using Aspose.PSD.FileFormats.Psd;
using Aspose.PSD.FileFormats.Psd.Layers;
using Aspose.PSD.FileFormats.Psd.Layers.FillLayers;

string inputFile = "./input/sample_with_filllayer.psd";
string outputFile = "./output/sample_gradient_fill.psd";

var loadOptions = new PsdLoadOptions() { LoadEffectsResource = true };
PsdImage psdImage = (PsdImage)Image.Load(inputFile, loadOptions);

Step 2: Locate the Fill or Shape Layer 

FillLayer fillLayer = null;
foreach (var layer in psdImage.Layers)
{
    if (layer is FillLayer f)
    {
        fillLayer = f;
        break;
    }
}
if (fillLayer == null)
{
    throw new InvalidOperationException("No fill layer found in PSD.");
}

Step 3: Set Up Gradient Fill Settings 

var gradientSettings = new GradientFillSettings();
gradientSettings.ColorPoints = new IGradientColorPoint[] {
    new GradientColorPoint() { Color = Color.Red },
    new GradientColorPoint() { Color = Color.Blue }
};
fillLayer.FillSettings = gradientSettings;

Step 4: (Optional) Set Up Pattern Fill Settings 

// Pattern fill is also supported if needed
// var patternSettings = new PatternFillSettings();
// ... configure patternSettings as needed
// fillLayer.FillSettings = patternSettings;

Step 5: Save the Updated PSD 

psdImage.Save(outputFile);
psdImage.Dispose();

Use Cases and Applications

  • Mass-update brand gradients across templates
  • Generate pattern-filled graphics programmatically
  • Creative automation for marketing assets

Common Challenges and Solutions

No visual effect: Make sure you’re targeting a fill or shape layer, not a rasterized one.

Gradient direction: Configure additional properties for angle/direction as needed.

Best Practices

  • Validate fills in Photoshop for exact results
  • Script fill changes for consistency across assets
  • Keep original files for rollbacks

FAQ

Q: Can I combine gradients and patterns? A: Only one fill type at a time per FillLayer—use multiple layers for composites.

Q: Are all Photoshop gradient types supported? A: Most common types are; see API docs for advanced cases.

Conclusion

With Aspose.PSD for .NET, design teams can automate beautiful fills for PSD assets. For more features, see the Aspose.PSD for .NET API Reference .

 English