Can the gradient tool be non-destructive?

[ESH]

Gimp 3.2 on Win 11.

We are now using Gimp 3 with a number of very good non-destructive filters.

But the gradient tool seems to be "baked in" when committed on a pixel-layer and cannot be re-invoked for later adjustments - or am I using it wrongly?

If not - is there a work-around to allow adjustments on an existing gradient?

[rich2005]

(11-26-2025, 03:41 PM)ESH Wrote: Gimp 3.2 on Win 11.

We are now using Gimp 3 with a number of very good non-destructive filters.

But the gradient tool seems to be "baked in" when committed on a pixel-layer and cannot be re-invoked for later adjustments - or am I using it wrongly?  

Nothing that I can find, Once the gradient is applied and the Gradient tool closed, it is fixed. Maybe there is a GEGL plugin somewhere, I do not know.  You could ask the Gimp devs for an enhancement.

Quote:If not - is there a work-around to allow adjustments on an existing gradient?  

This is a work-around of sorts.  Gimp 3.2 RC1 comes with a new option File -> Open as Link Layer

Using Inkscape for the gradient. Inkscape will import a gimp .ggr gradient which you then save as an .svg file. (1)  That .svg file is opened as a linked layer in Gimp (2) and you can adjust size etc (with unified transform)

   

To change the gradient at a later date, back to Inkscape, make the adjustment, re-save the .svg file (3) and that change is reflected in Gimp. (4)

   

All that a bit long-winded for you, I now have 15 minutes of linked layers experience so no difficult questions.

[ESH]

;O)
It's a great answer with a nice example, Rich..
No, further questions - I'll try it out.
Thank you.

[ESH]

Hello again,

I know I promised not to ask further, but I lied (like Arnold..).

I had to learn a bit of Inkscape to make the transition work.

Now that the gradient layer is loaded into Gimp as a linked layer - the next problem is described in the attached image: Can we get the gradient to work within a mask in Gimp without loosing the dynamics?

   

[rich2005]

It is a problem.  Ask the Gimp devs for an enhancement to the gradient tool (but do not hold your breath)

The linked layers is probably intended for other use such as animations but you might get something using a layer group with a mask applied to the group layer.

   

This a 1' 30" video of that:  https://filedn.com/lkb9dw6mEfXSsOu9uKLaM14/linked.mp4

[ESH]

The updating from Inkscape works fine, but the linked layer is a less flexible entity within the layer-structure of Gimp.
Surely, a dynamic gradient filter would be nice for this Christmas, but even within the scope of years I'll consider a request (should it not exist already).
The fast and dirty method must be to keep a copy of the original layer before any gradient is applied.
Thank you, Rich.

[CmykStudent]

ESH, rich2005: I have a work-in-progress implementation of non-destructive gradients - we have an issue related as well. It's a bit tricky though. We have to reactivate the tool instead of the filter dialogue when clicked, and the information has to be passed back to the tool from the filter so you're back in your original state. I'll probably need to make another filter to store the extra details from the tool, that contains the gradient filter inside it.