Gradient mask tools/handles keep disappearing. How to turn on gradient mask tools/handles?

[Ciaran277585570ifm]

Hello Photoshop users,

I'm looking for a solution to this problem relating to the Gradient tool. Many thanks for anyone's input in advance!

I've created a blur mask using: ( Layer > Layer Mask > Reveal All ), applying a Gaussian Blur smart filter, and using the Gradient tool on the Layer Mask.

My Layer Mask in Layers panel:

But when trying to edit the gradient layer mask by clicking on it, with the Gradient tool selected and active, the handles for editing radius, size, midpoint etc don't show. This means I have to click and drag out another gradient every time I want to make a minor edit.

The edit handles I'm reffering to for Gradients:

So the question is, how can I make the Gradient handles/corners/buttons appear when I need to make a change to my gradient?

Thanks for your time!

Let me know if there's a more suitable forum to ask this question. I couldn't find an asnwer to this online so far which worked.

Cheers,

Ciaran

[Semaphoric · Accepted solution]

The controls only stay there for Gradient Fill layers; masks use "Classic" gradients. To do what you want, put a Gradient Fill layer below the blurred layer, using Foreground to Transparent, with the Reverse box checked.

Hold down the Option key and position the cursor between the Gradient and Blurred layers; you should see the cursor change to a small box and a bent arrow. Click to create a Clipping Mask. The blurred layer will now use the Gradient as a mask and the Gradient maintains the editing controls.

[Ciaran277585570ifm]

Brilliant, that worked great. Thanks for your help!

[vladimirs8020594]

Hi,I am looking for a somewhat simiar issue.I am on a MAC Sequoia 15.3.2 and  PS 26.version. All of a sudden my gradient tool(gradient version as oppose to classic gradient)stopped showing the handles and the circle which normally control the size and feathering for the gradient.When drawing on a mask gradient tool works like classic without control handles and  there is no way to adjust it.I reset the tool a few times, went through the settings but did not find anything what could restore it.Is it the case that in a new PS version I can not do "new "gradient on the mask and only do classic gradient?And what is a solution tham to have a gradient with handles on the mask?

[vladimirs8020594]

Just want to bump up this problem..So far I did not see any solutions to it and I had to revert to PS 2024 where a gradiant tool works perfect and I can use handles on it.It is a bummer  as I would like to work on PS 2025 ,but I use gradients tool a lot and it is a deal breaker at the moment.Any help would be appreciated.

[Noel Orridge]

Hi @vladimirs8020594, Thank you for reaching out! Since this thread is a bit old, starting a new one with all the details of your issue might be best. That way, your comments won't get lost, and you'll get the Help you need more quickly.

Please share more details, e.g., the exact problem description and your system configuration. From Help> System Info> copy and paste it into a text document and attach it with your response. Also, a screen recording would be helpful for me. You can share via Google Drive, WeTransfer, or another public file-sharing platform. 

Thanks a bunch!