Contrast with pow()
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Apply pow() to reshape a gradient curve.
The gradient factor t is linear by default. pow(t, n) bends the curve, making the gradient feel faster or slower.
How pow changes the curve
pow(t, n) raises a 0–1 value to a power:
n = 1.0: unchanged, linearn = 2.0: slow start, fast end (more darks)n = 0.5: fast start, slow end (more lights)
vUv.x is linear 0→1. pow(vUv.x, 2.0) keeps more of the canvas dark and compresses the bright area toward the right.
Try changing it
Change the exponent to feel the curve shift:
| n | Effect |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | Gradient skews brighter |
| 1.0 | Linear (default) |
| 2.0 | Gradient skews darker |
| 4.0 | High contrast |
Exercise
The exercise has t = 0.0 (solid black). Use pow(vUv.x, 2.0) to compute t and see how the curve differs from linear.
Answer Breakdown
pow(vUv.x, 2.0) = vUv.x * vUv.x, squashing the linear 0→1 into a curve. Visually, the gradient changes slowly at the start and rapidly near the right edge.
Swap 2.0 for 0.5 (same as sqrt(vUv.x)) — the curve inverts, changing fast at the start and slowly at the end.