Gradient Scrubber
Scrub through color gradients interactively to extract colors and create dynamic color sequences. This process lets you define color gradients and then “scrub” through them with a position control, outputting the resulting colors for use in lighting, video effects, or other visual applications.
Perfect for dynamic lighting control, color-based installations, or any project where you need smooth color transitions controlled by sensors, automation, or user interaction.
How it works
Gradient Scrubber creates a color gradient from your defined color stops, then uses a position parameter (0-1) to extract colors from any point along the gradient.
Gradient definition - Set up your color gradient with multiple color stops and positions
Position control - Scrub through the gradient (0.0 = start, 1.0 = end)
Color output - Get RGB, HSV, or other color format outputs
Interpolation - Smooth color blending between your defined stops
Gradient creation
Color stops: Define key colors at specific positions along the gradient - you can have as many as needed for complex color schemes.
Position mapping: Each color stop has a position value, allowing for non-uniform color distribution along the gradient.
Interpolation modes: Choose between linear, cubic, or other interpolation methods for different color blending characteristics.
Color spaces: Work in RGB, HSV, or other color spaces depending on your desired color transitions.
Creative applications
Dynamic lighting: Control LED installations, architectural lighting, or stage lighting with smooth color transitions based on musical content, sensor data, or user interaction.
Video effects: Generate color sequences for video processing, background generation, or visual effect parameters.
Interactive installations: Map user gestures, sensor readings, or other control data to color gradient positions for responsive color environments.
Sunset/sunrise simulation: Create natural color progressions that follow environmental or temporal patterns.
Mood lighting: Generate color sequences that respond to audio content, creating synchronized lighting and sound experiences.
Integration techniques
Sensor control: Map sensor data to gradient position using Mapping Tool - temperature sensors could control warm/cool color transitions, motion sensors could trigger color changes.
Audio synchronization: Use audio analysis to drive gradient position based on music tempo, frequency content, or amplitude.
Timeline automation: Automate gradient position over time for predetermined color sequences that sync with other timeline elements.
Multi-gradient systems: Use multiple Gradient Scrubbers for different color aspects - one for hue, another for brightness, creating complex color evolution.
Technical features
Real-time processing: Fast color interpolation suitable for high-frequency control and smooth color transitions.
Multiple outputs: Simultaneous RGB, HSV, and other color format outputs for different types of devices and applications.
Smooth interpolation: Advanced color blending algorithms prevent harsh transitions and color banding.
Preset management: Save and recall gradient configurations for different moods, scenes, or installation requirements.
Workflow tips
Color theory: Use complementary colors and natural color progressions for pleasing visual results.
Position mapping: Consider using Mapping Tool to shape the position control response - ease-in/out curves can create more natural color timing.
Multiple gradients: Layer different color aspects by using separate gradients for hue, saturation, and brightness control.
Testing: Always test gradients with your actual lighting or display hardware, as different devices reproduce colors differently.
Integration with lighting
RGB LED strips: Direct connection to RGB color outputs for pixel-perfect color reproduction.
DMX lighting: Convert color outputs to DMX values for professional lighting control.
Smart bulbs: Control Philips Hue, LIFX, or other smart lighting systems through HTTP or other network protocols.
Projection systems: Feed color data to video systems for large-scale color projection and mapping.
Related processes
Perfect companion to Mapping Tool for position control shaping, LFO for cyclical color movements, lighting device protocols for hardware control, or Video processes for visual color applications.