Loss of gradient controls when "color" is transparent

[photoken]

Win7 x64 SP1
PL 18.53 x64 (also PL 18.90b8 x64)

Steps to reproduce:

1. Create an 8-bit RGB image.
2. Select the Gradient tool, using one of the gradients that has "transparent" as one of the colour swatches.
3. Draw the gradient on the layer.
4. Click anywhere within PL -- either on another tool, or simply in the editing area off the image.

Result:
The gradient control line disappears and never re-appears for further adjusting.

Expected result:
As with a gradient that does not use a "transparent" colour swatch, the gradient control line should remain (or re-appear) for further adjusting.

[Martin Huber]

In order to allow later editing of transparent gradients, the gradient would have to save the original image. This will enormously raise the memory footprint of a document. While this may be acceptable as long as the document is open, it is not acceptable on saving.

Maybe you should use a vector layer instead.

Martin

[photoken]

In order to allow later editing of transparent gradients, the gradient would have to save the original image. This will enormously raise the memory footprint of a document. While this may be acceptable as long as the document is open, it is not acceptable on saving.

What about the case where the transparent gradient is on its own layer? That scenario is where I first noticed the problem: I created a new transparent layer and applied a circular transparent-to-black gradient on it in order to darken the edges of the image beneath the gradient layer.

Maybe you should use a vector layer instead.

I'm not sure how to do that....

[Hoogo]

Use "Layout > vector > fit in vector layer" and change its fill color to a gradient. You can change that gradient by double-clicking on the fill color, or use the vector point tool.

Maybe an option "create vector layer" could be useful for the gradient tool?

[photoken]

Use "Layout > vector > fit in vector layer" and change its fill color to a gradient. You can change that gradient by double-clicking on the fill color, or use the vector point tool.

Aha! Thanks for explaining that -- it works well!

Maybe an option "create vector layer" could be useful for the gradient tool?

Yes. I've previously asked to have a "Vector Layer" type as an option for the "Create New Layer".