Gradient Image Generator

Create gradient background images with linear, radial, and conic gradient types.

Tested tool guide Tested browser tools Checked August 16, 2026

What Gradient Image Generator does and how it behaves

Gradient Image Generator turns selected colors into a background image using one of three geometries. A linear gradient progresses across an axis, a radial gradient spreads outward from a center, and a conic gradient progresses around a center by angle. Color stops determine where colors are reached and how much space each transition occupies. The common surprise is that a conic gradient does not behave like a left-to-right blend: its beginning and end meet, so contrasting endpoint colors can leave a visible seam.

How the result is produced

Linear gradient geometry

Linear mode maps the ordered color stops along a straight gradient line. Reversing the direction reverses the apparent order of the colors, while moving an intermediate stop changes the space occupied by the blends on either side. The line spans the image canvas, so identical stops can look different when the canvas proportions or line angle changes.

Center-based geometries

Radial mode measures stops outward from a center, producing nested color regions whose spacing follows the stop positions. Conic mode measures stops around the center, so positions represent progress through a turn rather than distance from the middle. In conic output, points on the same ray share an angular position, and the last part of the turn meets the first.

Good uses

Preparing a website hero or section background that transitions horizontally, vertically, or diagonally between brand colors without manually painting the transition.
Creating a radial spotlight, halo, or vignette behind a product, portrait, title, or interface element while keeping the color progression centered.
Designing a conic color wheel, swept highlight, or circular multicolor background where colors need to change around a central point rather than across the canvas.

Limits and checks

A conic gradient is not automatically seamless. Because the end of the turn touches its beginning, different colors at that junction can produce an intentional hard edge or an unwanted seam.
Stop positions mean different things across the three types. Linear positions follow an axis, radial positions follow distance from the center, and conic positions follow angle around the center.
The same colors and stops can look materially different at another aspect ratio. This is especially noticeable when a radial field appears more elliptical or a diagonal linear transition crosses a longer canvas.

Common questions

Which gradient type should I choose?

Use linear for a transition along one straight axis. Use radial when color should change with distance from a center, as in a glow, halo, or vignette. Use conic when color should change by angle around a center, as in a wheel or swept segment. The essential difference is the coordinate used to place each color.

Can the generated image always be reproduced exactly with CSS?

Not necessarily. CSS can express linear, radial, and conic gradients, but an image represents one fixed canvas while a CSS gradient is redrawn for its element. A close match requires the same gradient type, colors, stop positions, direction or center, and dimensions. Resizing can expose differences, particularly in radial geometry and at conic seams.

References and verification

The behavioral notes were checked against the browser implementation. Standards and primary references below define the relevant format, formula, or platform behavior.