Inspiring

Question

PS CC : Layer Mask and Fading issues

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
July 20, 2019
4 replies
4716 views

I went from CS6 to the newest Photoshop CC and some things are very different. I am getting frustrated in trying to do things now because they don't work like they used to. I just closed out Photoshop and gave up on the wallpaper I was trying to make, something that would have been relatively easy in CS6 is not anymore with the newest CC.

Layer Mask doesn't work like it used to because Refine Edge is completely different now. I am really having issues fading images with layer mask and then gradient tool. That is how I always used to did it, but now it is very frustrating and I cannot get the results I once did. I make a lot of wallpapers for myself and also edit my photography, but getting areas to fade like I want, without lines showing up as well, is really ruining my experience with the new PS.

A) I need a GRADUAL fade, very nice and even, not abrupt. No lines to show up (because Feather makes lines show up in the image too often). I need the edge of the image to not show up as well, because even with the gradient and such the edge can sometimes still be seen and I end up having to use eraser tool and sometimes then I can see the eraser circle areas.

B) I often have an image and need both left and right side of the image faded because the wallpaper is much bigger than the image on left and right. Say the background layer is black and I need the left and right faded so it blends into the black of the background layer. I end up having to make two layers of the image and do gradient with select and refine (as it is called now) for both layers, then do one layer left, one layer right, and remove half the image on one side and half on the other so it looks like one image with left and right side faded. It would be nice to be able to do this with one layer but I have never found an option in PS to do this with good results.

Does anyone have any pointers on doing this with the new PS?

This topic has been closed for replies.

davescm

Community Expert

Hi

For smooth gradients use 16 bits/channel in your images

To make a reflected gradient - use this option in the options bar

To apply a black and white gradient to two sides of the mask separately change the blend mode of the gradient to multiply. That way each side does not overwrite the last.

The Select and Mask workspace has replaced the old refine edge for making selections - but the old method is still available. With the initial selection made, got to the Select menu and hold down Shift while you click on "Select and Mask" in the menu. That will open the old refine edge dialogue.

You seem to be misunderstanding. If working with masks you don't need to use the eraser at all. You can paint directly on a mask with a brush (white shows the layer and black hides it).

Dave

DarthVengeantAuthor

Inspiring

I can't figure out how you got that Multiply Gradient to work. It only does one side, even with Multiply picked and Black to White gradient.

I see you have a Color Fill Layer, but my image disappears if I do a Solid Color Layer.

I am also not getting the old Refine Edge to show up as you said to do "Select menu and hold down Shift while you click on "Select and Mask" doesn't work.

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

I can't figure out how you got that Multiply Gradient to work. It only does one side, even with Multiply picked and Black to White gradient.

Please post screenshots including the Options Bar, the Layers Panel and the Channels Panel.

Just to make sure: You are applying the Gradient in opposite directions?

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

One can maintain edibility for the Gradient by using a Gradient Layer as the basis of a Clipping Group.

D Fosse

Community Expert

The gradient tool can do bi-directional gradients (as well as any number of other varieties). No need for two layers.

If banding is what you're complaining about ("lines showing up") - that's in your display system, not Photoshop, as long as you're working with 16 bit data. An 8 bit file will always be susceptible to banding.

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

as long as you're working with 16 bit data

Another thing one could have seen on a meaningful screenshot.

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

First of all: Please don’t write and write about your Photoshop image editing problems without actually showing at least a meaningful screenshot including the pertinent Panels.

Apart from that:

I end up having to use eraser tool

• Why the Eraser Tool? Aren’t you working with Layer Masks?

I end up having to make two layers of the image and do gradient with select and refine (as it is called now) for both layers

• Why don’t you use two instances of one Smart Object?

• And are you by any chance using »gradient« to signify »selection« or what do you mean by »do gradient with select and refine« exactly?

DarthVengeantAuthor

Inspiring

It would take me forever to show screenshots.

I do Layer Mask, then Gradient Tool. I select with Gradient Tool from the edge of the image and then inward on the image to the point where I do NOT want it to fade. Meaning near the subject of the image (person, etc). This way the edge slowly fades to full the closer it gets to the subject. However, I have to (in the past it was Refine Edge and now is Select and Mask) Select and Mask to adjust the fade (Feather, Shift Edge, etc) so it doesn't look abrupt and also fade enough so the edge does not show. This is the issue I am now having in the new PS CC, it;s not working like PS CS6 did. I can't get the results I once did in the old PS.

I have to use eraser to make the image fade properly so the edge does not show, even after adjustments with Select and Mask.

I do not know anything about Smart Objects. Never used it.

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

It would take me forever to show screenshots.

Please read this:

FAQ: How do I capture and post a screen shot or video?

Please post screenshots including the pertinent Panels.

I do Layer Mask, then Gradient Tool. I select with Gradient Tool from the edge of the image and then inward on the image to the point where I do NOT want it to fade.

Are you creating a Layer Mask for an object and then damaging it by superimposing a gradient instead of placing the Layer in a Group and applying a Layer Mask (with a gradient) to that?

Screenshots might have made such requests for clarification unnecessary.

I have to use eraser to make the image fade properly so the edge does not show, even after adjustments with Select and Mask.

Are you using the Eraser on the Layer or the Layer Mask?

I do not know anything about Smart Objects. Never used it.

Smart Object enable one to place one object multiple times in an image (and transform and filter the instances individually) and updating all the instances simultaneously when the Smart Object is edited and saved.

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