This tutorial is how to create a custom muzzle flash, or anything else that can be applied to this.

Step 1:
Download this base picture for the tutorial, or make your own that is similar.
./base.png


Step 2:
Open up the gradient in a Photoshop


Step 3:
Go to Images>Adjustments>Gradient Map...


Step 4:
Click on the gradient bar


Step 5:
You will see this:



Step 6: Tweak the gradient until you get something interesting.


Step 7:
Congratulations, you created a muzzle flash bitmap based off of the Halo 3 Plasma Rifle's Muzzle Flash.



You can make other gradients, to create different styles of muzzle flashes. Also other cloudy/puffy shapes can make it look different in shape.