The Secret Gradient Interpolation Method
The article discusses the Secret Gradient Interpolation Method used in Photoshop. It reveals that the 2026 version of Photoshop has introduced a new interpolation method called Smooth, which is not documented officially. The author aims to replicate Photoshop's rendering behavior for open-source tools by reverse engineering its algorithms.
- ▪The article is part of a series aimed at uncovering Photoshop's algorithms for rendering gradients and effects.
- ▪The new interpolation method, Smooth, is distinct from the previously used Perceptual method.
- ▪The author has reverse-engineered the algorithms without decompiling Photoshop, relying solely on finished images.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Introduction. The Secret Gradient Interpolation Method Essay photoshopreverse-engineeringgradients Also available in Russian Series: Photoshop Algorithms Arcana Part 1 of 2 Introduction. The Secret Gradient Interpolation Method Color Math: Inside Photoshop Gradients Next → Introduction This article opens the series “Photoshop Algorithms Arcana”, aimed at uncovering the algorithms Photoshop uses to render gradients, effects, adjustment layers, and more. Why? I’m building a tool that can render individual PSD/PSB layers and groups — with all effects intact — without requiring Photoshop. It turns out that information about Photoshop’s proprietary algorithms is incredibly scarce, and most existing approximations produce results that differ dramatically from what Photoshop actually renders.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Ilia Malanin.
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