Linear gradients, which are often used to create smooth transitions between colors, frequently exhibit abrupt edges where the gradient begins or ends. These harsh transitions can be softened by using easing functions, offering a more gradual and aesthetically pleasing shift from one color to another. This technique is particularly useful in cases where gradients are applied behind text or UI elements, helping to improve contrast while maintaining a more seamless visual experience.

While the CSS Working Group (CSSWG) has proposed an official syntax for easing gradients, designers can already experiment with this concept through various tools and plugins.

Tools and Plugins

• Figma Easing Gradients: In addition to traditional design tools, Figma has adopted support for easing gradients, with the help of plugins. This integration allows designers to visualize and tweak easing gradients directly within their design projects.
• PostCSS Plugin: For those working with CSS, the postCSS-easing-gradients plugin allows the use of easing functions in gradients, even before official browser support is widely available.

The Concept of Easing Gradients

In contrast to a plain linear gradient, easing gradients incorporate an easing function to create smoother transitions between colors. This technique eliminates the sharp boundaries typically found in standard gradients, especially when transitioning between significantly different hues. Easing functions, such as cubic-bezier, help achieve a more fluid effect, allowing the gradient to start and end gently, providing a more natural visual experience.

For example, gradients placed behind text or UI elements can improve readability and focus without drawing attention to the gradient itself. The goal is often to make the gradient as invisible as possible while still enhancing the overall design. Easing gradients achieve this by subtly blending colors rather than having a stark, noticeable transition.

Practical Examples and Benefits

Many designs, such as the interface of Spotify, can greatly benefit from the subtlety offered by easing gradients. By applying easing functions to color transitions, designers can create interfaces that feel more polished and refined, contributing to a smoother user experience.

Example: Linear Gradient vs. Easing Gradient

Linear Gradient:

#future {
  linear-gradient(to bottom, hsla(330, 100%, 45%, 1), hsla(210, 100%, 45%, 1));
}

Easing Gradient

#forNow {
  linear-gradient(
    to bottom,
    hsl(330, 100%, 45.1%) 0%,
    hsl(331, 89.25%, 47.36%) 8.1%,
    hsl(330.53, 79.69%, 48.96%) 15.5%,
    hsl(328.56, 70.89%, 49.96%) 22.5%,
    hsl(324.94, 63.52%, 50.40%) 29%,
    hsl(319.21, 54.99%, 50.30%) 35.3%,
    hsl(310.39, 46.14%, 49.68%) 41.2%,
    hsl(296.53, 39.12%, 49.70%) 47.1%,
    hsl(280.63, 42.91%, 53.43%) 52.9%,
    hsl(265.14, 47.59%, 56.84%) 58.8%,
    hsl(250.13, 52.52%, 59.88%) 64.7%,
    hsl(235.88, 59.20%, 60.91%) 71%,
    hsl(225.81, 68.23%, 57.85%) 77.5%,
    hsl(218.93, 74.97%, 54.21%) 84.5%,
    hsl(213.89, 79.63%, 49.97%) 91.9%,
    hsl(210, 100%, 45.1%) 100%
  );
}

Easing Gradients in Action

The ability to manipulate gradients with easing functions is a powerful tool for designers who seek to create subtle yet dynamic visual transitions. By adding intermediate color stops that simulate the effect of easing, we can achieve a “low-poly” look for color transitions, resulting in a much smoother and visually appealing effect.

This approach is especially useful when gradients are used as a backdrop for text or other design elements. Rather than distracting from the content, easing gradients enhance the design by ensuring the transitions between colors are subtle and natural.

Moving Forward: The Role of Easing Gradients in Modern Design

As the proposal for easing gradients becomes more widely adopted by the CSS Working Group, it is expected that browser support will improve. However, designers need not wait for full browser implementation. Using available tools such as the postCSS-easing-gradients plugin, Figma, and Sketch plugins, designers can already experiment with this technique and implement it into their workflows today.

Easing gradients represent a significant advancement in how we approach color transitions in web and app design. They help create visually pleasing, subtle, and fluid designs that enhance the overall user experience without drawing unnecessary attention to the gradients themselves.