Skip to main content
Participating Frequently
January 30, 2026

P: PS 27.3.0 Using the Gradient Tool on a Layer Mask doesn't work properly now.

  • January 30, 2026
  • 32 replies
  • 1008 views

While using the Gradient Tool (PS 27.3.0) on a Layer Mask, Mode set to Multiply, this doesn't work properly now.

The work around- I have to create a new Group of my layer then add a layer mask and set Gradient Mode to Normal in order to for this to work. This bug is new since I updated PS to 27.3.0

    32 replies

    Antoine27632359w1ve
    Participant
    February 17, 2026

    And still there in 27.3.1 !

    c.pfaffenbichler
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 11, 2026

    Should ​@Semaphoric ’s post not have resolved the issue already please post screenshots with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Properties, Options Bar, …) visible. 

    Semaphoric
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 11, 2026

    Look in the Option bar for the Gradient tool, and on the far left, make sure you have  “Gradient” selected, not “Classic Gradient”.

    Gabaraujo
    Participant
    February 10, 2026

     

    I'm having trouble editing the gradient directly from the masks; it doesn't seem editable. To be more specific, I create a mask on a layer and apply the gradient to erase smoothly, but it doesn't become smooth, and it's not possible to move the gradient. Whenever I move it, it remains static. If I move it from bottom to top and try to adjust it, it doesn't adjust.

    D Fosse
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 8, 2026

    Just a general observation - several people here say they're using a transparent gradient stop, but transparency doesn't apply to masks. They're strictly black to white. So maybe that's what trips it up?

     

    (disclosure: I've never used blend modes on masks; I use grouped layers or smart objects for the same effect. So I have limited experience with this).

    Participant
    February 10, 2026

    While this is somewhat true, layer masks do support using gradient going from 100% opacity to 0% opacity. It doesn’t have the same effect than if you were to use Black to White. 

    Participant
    February 18, 2026

    You’re right, it was working with opacity before but no more. Fixed using black to white (or solid color).

    RRKing
    Inspiring
    February 8, 2026

    yeah same here.  changing it to classic seems to help but then it just happens all time now

    Antoine27632359w1ve
    Participant
    February 7, 2026

    Hi, 
     

    Just to point out that this doesn't fix a very annoying bug with the gradient tool in PSD files on a MacBook Pro M2. When you create a gradient in a layer mask, it gets stuck and doesn't work. Could you please fix this as a priority? ThankssBest regards
    Participant
    February 4, 2026

    Anytime I use a gradient (black to transparent in this case) on a layer mask, I can no longer move the gradient around to adjust the emplacement of the transparency. It either stays the same, or worse, it only removes more and more of the image.

    In other Photoshop versions, you could simply move the gradient inside the layer mask and use that to adjust the transparency effect.

    Photoshop version is 27.3.1

    I have attached a video file to show the issue.

    LizP904
    Participating Frequently
    February 8, 2026

    Agree. This is so frustrating. Now, when I use the radial gradient tool, say to brighten a face, it goes on and will not let me move it or shrink the gradient. It sticks right where you started. Can’t be moved. If I use the linear gradient and then want to do another gradient in a different section, it modifies the first one. 

    So frustrating. 

    Adobe, please pull this back and fix it. 

    LizP904
    Participating Frequently
    February 8, 2026

    and my comments are on version 27.3.1

    Jeroenstoen
    Participant
    February 3, 2026

    In PS 2026 version 27.3 I can not use a gradient mask as before; if I create a gradient mask and want to adjust this mask by dragging the gradient handles, it does not change the original gradient, but adds a new gradient! In this way I can not make fine adjustments to a gradient mask. Is it a matter of a changed setting, or has the working principal of the feature changed?

    AxelMatt
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 3, 2026

    @PauloJC  I see the same on my machine. All types of transparent gradient mask, without the radial mask where affected. 

     

    @CShubert  Seems this is a bug in the recent version. Please check.

     

    My System: Intel i7-8700K - 64GB RAM - NVidia Geforce RTX 3060 - Windows 11 Pro 25H2 -- LR-Classic 15 - Photoshop 27 - Nik Collection 8 - PureRAW 6 - Topaz Photo AI