Basically, I have a layer with only text on it and want to know how to overlay a gradient effect on all of the text.

I've been struggling with this for a bit and have browsed around for an answer, oddly unable to find anything on Google (though I'm sure I have before). I'm sure there' s a simple solution and I'm positive I've done it before, but can't for the life of me figure out how to do it again.

Thanks in advance.

On the text ("destructive"), lock the alpha channel (I'm thinking your text is surrounded by transparency) by clicking on the Preserve Alpha button on the toolbar (checkered little square) then apply your gradient with its tool. Or (non "destructive"), add a layer on top of the text layer, apply your gradient, on the layer buttons (on the layer docker) check the one with the alpha symbol "Inherit alpha", would do the same without editing the actual text. : )

Perfect, thank you. I knew it was something really simple.