| RGBA Gradient | Alpha Gradient | Input | Render Tree Usage
The gradient mixer shader accepts a scalar or vector input that drives the color gradient that it outputs. This allows you to create gradients based on, for example, distance, vector coordinates, or incidence.
This shader requires a scalar or color input from which to generate a gradient. Input shaders are connected to the shader's Input (scalar) or Coord (vector) ports. You can also texture the color/alpha and position parameters of the color and alpha gradients' markers, as well as the position of the interpolation markers. Connection textures to color markers' color parameter allows you to create a gradient of textures.
The gradient defined by the shader and its input can connected to nearly any parameter on any shader. For example, you could use a gradient to control a surface shader's transparency, reflection, or even basic surface shading. A common use of gradients is to drive the weight parameter in a mixer shader to control how colors or textures are blended together.