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Make a halftone gradient background

Dots that grow from one side of the page to the other, or from the corners inward. A gradient under a halftone filter does it; a gradient map recolours it. Four layers, all editable.

Beginner2 min readUpdated 27 September 2026Editor · Gradient tool, Halftone filter, Gradient map

Linear: dots fade across the page

  1. Start a design at its final size. Add a new layer (Ctrl+Shift+N) and drag it to the bottom of the Layers panel.
  2. Set the main colour to black and the second colour to white. Press G and drag across the page in the direction the dots should shrink. A longer drag gives a longer fade.
  3. With the gradient layer selected, choose Filter, Artistic, Halftone. Set Dot Size (40 to 80 for a bold background) and Contrast about 50.
  4. Add a Gradient map adjustment (Image, Adjustments) above the filter. Set the first stop to the dot colour and the last to the background colour.
  5. Add your headline, photo or logo above the Gradient map. Filters and adjustments only change what is below them.

From the corners, or from a point

  • Corners: instead of a gradient, fill the bottom layer with white (Edit, Fill…), add Filter, Enhance, Vignette with a high Strength, then the Halftone filter above. The dots grow toward the edges.
  • From one point: paint a large, soft black spot with the Brush (B, Hardness 0, size 1000 px or more) on a white layer, then add the Halftone filter.
  • Two directions: paint the bottom layer however you like in black, white and greys. The halftone follows whatever tone is there; see You do not need halftone brushes.

Why did my photo turn into dots as well?

The Halftone filter is above the photo. Drag the photo above the filter and the Gradient map; only layers below a filter are changed.

Can I make a radial gradient?

The Gradient tool is linear. For a round falloff, use a Vignette on white, or paint a large soft brush spot, then put the Halftone filter above it.

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