apply gradient to adjustment layer, not entire file

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
February 16, 2025
2 replies
511 views

I created an adjustment layer, and used Fill to turn off the layer and then paint with white to reveal where I want the adjustment. Now I want to make that correction blend with the adjoining parts of the image. How can I apply the gradient to the area effected by the adjustment layer only, and not the entire image? Screenshots 1 and 2 show the adjustment layer turned off, then on. I want the area at the top portion inside the yellow rectangle to have a smooth transition from light to dark. Thanks.

Windows

Correct answer Stephen Marsh

@Barton5C39

Using the classic gradient tool option, you can apply a black-to-white gradient in a blend mode such as darken or lighten, however, this will permanently alter the current layer mask.

Another option is to put the layer into a group, then apply a layer mask to the group and apply the gradient mask to the group.

Stephen Marsh

Correct answer

Community Expert

@Barton5C39

Using the classic gradient tool option, you can apply a black-to-white gradient in a blend mode such as darken or lighten, however, this will permanently alter the current layer mask.

Another option is to put the layer into a group, then apply a layer mask to the group and apply the gradient mask to the group.

D Fosse

Community Expert

Another option is to put the layer into a group, then apply a layer mask to the group and apply the gradient mask to the group.

By @Stephen Marsh

Yes, this is the way I always do it, and I do this a lot. Ctrl+G is one of my most used shortcuts, for this reason.

Stephen Marsh

Community Expert

Another option is to put the layer into a group, then apply a layer mask to the group and apply the gradient mask to the group.

By @Stephen Marsh

Yes, this is the way I always do it, and I do this a lot. Ctrl+G is one of my most used shortcuts, for this reason.

By @D Fosse

For completeness, one could also convert the layer to a smart object, then apply a gradient layer mask, however, that's a lot of overhead compared to simply using a group.

Trevor.Dennis

Community Expert

Click on the mask to reveal Mask Properties in the Properties panel, and adjust Feather.

Trevor.Dennis

Community Expert

Do you know that Alt clicking the mask shows just the mask full screen. This can make it easier to seen what the mask looks like. Alt click again to toggle back to normal.

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