How to make a smooth rectangle shape gradient from solid to transparent

[u84six]

I've tried 3 different ways to do this simple task. I'm new to After Effects, so I know this is a noob question.

All I want is to have a rectangle that starts a solid black color from the left, and has a smooth linear gradient

to the end (to transparent).

As you can see below, gradient fill color panel represents what I want (smooth and linear from left to right, black to transparent),

but the shape itself is solid until it gets to the middle, then does a quick gradient and doesn't reach the end of the rectangle.

What am I doing wrong?

[Towerguy · Accepted solution]

Hi. The two dots joined by the line on the image are the beginning and end points of the gradient - drag each of them to the beginning and end of the shape. If you look in the shape layer Contents/Gradient Fill you will also find Start point and End point settings you can change.

[Roland Kahlenberg]

The most elegant solution I can think of is to use AE's Variable Mask Feather Tool -

Variable Mask feathering Part 1 in Adobe After Effects

Here's a screen cap I just did - I'm hopeful you'll be able to follow along. What's not obvious but important is me double-clicking on the Quick Mask Tool at the 51-second mark - this creates a mask (based on the currently active Quick Mask Tool/Shape) which adheres to the outline of the selected layer(s).

http://www.broadcastgems.com/mediaStreamer/CreateSoftTransparency_SingleLayer_MaskFeather.mp4

[Roland Kahlenberg]

For a Shape Layer-only solution, Towerguy has the correct answer. Here's a screen capture -

http://www.broadcastGEMs.com/mediaStreamer/CreateSoftTransparency_SingleLayer_ShapeLayer.mp4

[u84six]

Thanks everyone. Everything was so helpful!