Gradient Effects

Learn to create various gradient effects, including linear gradients, radial gradients, angular gradients, and dynamic blending

Overview

• Use polar angle as a gradient factor.

Learning Objectives

• Master methods for creating various gradient effects
• Understand the differences between linear and radial gradients
• Learn to implement angular and wave gradients
• Understand how to dynamically blend multiple gradient effects

Prerequisites

• basic-gradients
• uv-coordinates

Inputs

• float u_time — Time in seconds.
• vec2 u_resolution — Canvas size in pixels.

Key Concepts

• Angle comes from atan(y, x).

float a = atan(p.y, p.x);

• Normalize angle to [0,1] and use it as a factor.

float t = (a + PI) / (2.0 * PI);

How To Implement (Step-by-step)

• Center coordinates: p = vUv - 0.5.
• Angle: a = atan(p.y, p.x).
• Normalize: t = (a + PI) / (2*PI).
• Use t to mix colors.

Self-check

• Does it compile without errors?
• Does the output match the goal?
• Are key values kept in [0,1]?

Common Mistakes

• Clamp t into [0,1] when needed.
• Don’t use raw pixels without normalization.
• Make sure edge0 < edge1 for smoothstep().