How to Photography: Graduated User Defined in Color Efex Pro 4
- Written by Mark Rainer
The Graduated User Defined filter in Color Efex Pro 4 is the last in the line of the graduated filter series. It simulates the use of traditional colored glass filters, commonly used to add color to your image. Using this particular filter enables you to achieve a splash of color without having to carry a large number of colored filtration options in your camera bag.
By looking the control options we will get an idea of how to apply and adjust the filter.
Graduated User Defined control options
Color allows you to select a color from within the image using the Eyedropper Tool, or from the Color Picker for a specific color value.
Color options
The Opacity slider controls the strength of the filter as applied to the original image. The default value is set to 37%, adding a light application of color.
The Blend slider controls the transition of the filtered effect. Moving the slider to the left creates a sharp transition, while moving the slider to the right softens the transition. As it is set at 100% by default, this adds a softened transition to the filter.
The Vertical Shift slider is used to place the blend point within the image and can work in conjunction with the Blend slider. Moving the slider to the left will raise the blend point that has been added to the image, while moving it to the right will lower the blend point. It is set at 64% as the default.
The Rotation slider is set to 180°, placing the horizon level across the image with the graduated color at the upper half of you image, blending inward. Moving the slider simulates the effect of rotating a filter on your lens. In this instance, moving the slider left will rotate the horizon to the left and moving the slider to the right will rotate the horizon to the right.
Control Options
Tip: You can also use the Eyedropper Tool in conjunction with the Color Picker to really fine tune the color application.