Create Gradient layer by the use of CAGradientLayer

Create Gradient layer by the use of CAGradientLayer

Mostly developers are use the gradient (Combination of colors) colors images for make app more effective. Basically developers are use the images for gradient effect but its not an effective technique, but we can create gradient layer by the use of core graphic. In this tutorial we are study about how to create gradient view by the use of CAGradientLayer. Its simple and effective for best user experience.

CAGradientLayer?

CAGradientLayer is the part of the Core animation in ios and its a subclass of CALayer. Its a layer that draws a color gradient over its layer background, filling the shape of layers and it also for rounded corners. We can add this layer as a subView on any view for gradient effect. CAGradientLayer is simple and effective for Users Interface.

How to use color gradient layer (CAGradientLayer)

Its fast and sample task, actually there are few line of code for creating the color gradient layer by the use of CAGradientLayer.
In CAGradientLayer have diffrent variables and function for set the gradient color according to you :-

1. .colors [Any]? -> Pass Array of colors ( Needs to be in CGColor since CAGradientLayer uses Core Graphics)
2. .Frame -> Set the gradient layer frame accroding to you (Pass frame accroding to superView, where you want to add)

And last add the layer by “addSublayer” on any view where you want to show.
Add this Sample methos where you want:-

var gradientLayer = CAGradientLayer()
    override func viewDidLoad() {
        super.viewDidLoad()
        createCAGradientLayer()
    }
    func createCAGradientLayer() {
        gradientLayer.frame = self.view.bounds
        let blue = UIColor.red.cgColor
        let organge = UIColor.purple.cgColor
        let pink = UIColor.yellow.cgColor
        self.view.layer.addSublayer(gradientLayer)
    }

You can set the color direction according to you. for set the direction CAGradientLayer provide the properties startPoint and endPoint.
1. .startPoint (CGPoint) Pass the CGPoint, x and y startPoint -> Its use for where the gradient starts
2. .endPoint (CGPoint) Pass the CGPoint, x and y endPoint -> Its use for where the gradient Ends

Add these line of code in you createCAGradientLayer function:-

gradientLayer.startPoint = CGPoint(x: 0.0, y: 0.0)
gradientLayer.endPoint = CGPoint(x: 1.0, y: 0.0)

How to we set percentage of color effect in gradient layer

By default in gradient layer all the colors are equaly divided, but we can change them by the use of locationpropertie. We can modify the gradient layer by this propertie (Tried to pass CGFloat because it’s easier to estimate the location of the gradient)

.Location [NSNumber]? -> we can pass the array of NSNumber Into them for set the location of colors

add this line of code in createCAGradientLayer function:-

gradientLayer.locations = [0.0, 0.50, 1.0]

Final function :-

func createCAGradientLayer() {
        gradientLayer.frame = self.view.bounds
        let blue = UIColor.red.cgColor
        let organge = UIColor.purple.cgColor
        let pink = UIColor.yellow.cgColor
        gradientLayer.locations = [0.0, 0.50, 1.0]
        gradientLayer.colors = [blue, organge, pink]
        gradientLayer.startPoint = CGPoint(x: 0.0, y: 0.0)
        gradientLayer.endPoint = CGPoint(x: 1.0, y: 0.0)
        self.view.layer.addSublayer(gradientLayer)
    }

We are know how much gradient view easy, important, and effective. We can also add the animation with this gradient Layer.

How to add Animation with gradient layer

We can also animation on gradient layer. Now below are core animation example which are added by the gradient layer propertie.

func animatedView() {
        let animation = CABasicAnimation(keyPath: "locations")
        animation.fromValue = [0.0, 0.0, 0.25]
        animation.toValue = [0.75, 1.0, 1.0]
        animation.duration = 3.0
        animation.autoreverses =  true
        animation.repeatCount =  Float.infinity
        self.gradientLayer.add(animation, forKey: nil)
    }

Add this function after the createCAGradientLayer() function.

For More tutorials and Example visit developerfly.com .