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gradient not working with gaussian blur

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
November 22, 2023
3 replies
1297 views

Can someone tell me why the gradient is not working with my gaussian blur smart filter? In screen shot 1 I have a smart object layer. In screen shot 2 I am adding a gaussian blur filter. In screen shot 3 I have drawn a linear gradient down to the bottom of the image but there is no change in the background from screen shot 2. Why not? Thanks.

Windows

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Correct answer bartonlew

Edit: this method will work if you have the background layer further down in the layer panel also visible.

Essentially two background layers, one as a smart object and with blur, and the other unaltered.

I had to reset Preferences recently and I'm wondering if a setting has changed that is the issue.

R

roba3377964604ft

Participating Frequently

What overall impression or style are you aiming for? I think we can come up with some wise suggestions if we have a better understanding of that.

I believe you are attempting to apply a gradient to a smart object, which is not possible without first rasterizing the object to make it a standard layer.

George_F

Community Expert

What general effect or look at you trying to achieve? If we better understand that, I bet we can make some solid recommendations.

It appears to me like you are trying to apply a gradient to a smart object, which you can't do without rasterizing it to become a standard layer first.

George F, Photographer & Forum Volunteer

bartonlewAuthor

Legend

Thanks. I want the base of the column to be in focus, and a progressive blur effect in the background. You can't apply a gradient to a Smart Object? In the imaeg below, the base of the column is in focus, but the background becomes blurry as you move up the image. The background is a smart object with a blur gallery smart filter. I'm sure I achieved this by applying a gradient. But I can't remember exactly what I did or replicate it.

George_F

Community Expert

I believe that applying the gradient to a layer mask instead of directly to the layer would achieve the effect you are going for. That's how I would approach this at least.

George F, Photographer & Forum Volunteer

Trevor.Dennis

Community Expert

You haven't helpped us a whole lot with your screen shots because we can't see enough of the layers panel, so I am going to have to guess.

From what I can see, you have applied the Gaussian Blur to a layer filled with a solid colour. A blur will make no difference to most of a solid colour layer. Maybe just blur the outside edges.

As for the third screen shot, I don't have a clue.

Have you applied it to a layer mask?

To a new layer?

What layers are above it in the layer stack?

What are the properties of the gradient?

So if you can show us a full res screen shot of the entire workspace showing the layers panel, the Properties panel with the gradient applied. And arrange the panels so that everything is visible, I am sure we'll then be able to help you.

bartonlewAuthor

Legend

Thank you. here is the entire workspace. I basically have 2 active layers - the column and the background. I duped the background and made it a Smart Object. I added a Gaussian Blur Smart Filter. I drew a gradient but it's not working. The 2nd screen shot (which was the 3rd screen shot in the first message) shows that I have selected the mask and the gradient I am applying. Does that answer your first 2 questions? I have done this many times (though not recently) so I know it can be done but I've obviously missed something. You say I've applied a blur to a layer filled with a solid color. I see an image - a column and its background - not a solid color. What is the solid color layer you're talking about?

Thanks for your help.

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