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RST1851
Participating Frequently
December 21, 2018
Answered

The opacity within selected area is not changing.

  • December 21, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 2466 views

Dear Forum,

I'm attempting to edit a PNG file using Photoshop 19.1.7.

My goal is to reduce the opacity of the image in just the selected area.

Here are the steps I've taken:

1.) Made sure that the correct layer is being worked on.

2.) Using the Marquee selection tool, I select the area I want to edit. The marching-ants are there.

3.) Went to "Edit"

4.) Chose "Fill.."

5.) Left it on the default:  "Content Aware", "Color Adaptation" checked, "Preserve Transparency" checked.

6.) I changed the Opacity to 10%.

7.) Hit "Ok"

However, the opacity of the selected area did not change.

Please let me know what I am doing wrong.

Thanks!

Steve

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer davescm

    Hi

    I would do it differently

    Open the image

    Select the area for which you want to reduce transparency

    Add a layer mask - Layer >Layer Mask > Hide selection

    Click on the mask in the layers panel

    In the properties panel reduce the mask density slider to get the opacity you require and adjust the feather as required

    Dave

    3 replies

    ScooterD76
    ScooterD76
    Legend
    December 21, 2018

    "Preserve Transparency" does just that. the transparency shouldn't change at all.

    R
    RST1851Author
    Participating Frequently
    December 21, 2018

    Hi ScooterD76,

    Thanks for the info.  But, it didn't work though. I unchecked "Preserve Transparency" but the opacity level did not change. 

    It seems that there is something else that is preventing the opacity level from being altered. However, I tried an entirely different method, using masks, suggested by another poster, and I was able to control the opacity levels.

    Steve

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    December 21, 2018

    Hi

    I would do it differently

    Open the image

    Select the area for which you want to reduce transparency

    Add a layer mask - Layer >Layer Mask > Hide selection

    Click on the mask in the layers panel

    In the properties panel reduce the mask density slider to get the opacity you require and adjust the feather as required

    Dave

      R
      RST1851Author
      Participating Frequently
      December 21, 2018

      Hi Davescm,

      Thanks for your advice. I did what you suggested and it worked perfectly!

      Steve

      gener7
      Community Expert
      gener7Community Expert
      Community Expert
      December 21, 2018

      Select History from the fill menu, not Content Aware.

      Set Fill to 100% in History, click OK

      Next: Edit > Fade and set your percentage.

      R
      RST1851Author
      Participating Frequently
      December 21, 2018

      Hi Gener7,

      I tried your method, but I was still not able to change the opacity. In the History mode, I tried it with the "Preserve Transparency" toggle checked and unchecked: no result either way.

      I also made sure the layer was not locked for editing. There may be some "hidden lock"on the image or I'm editing another layer  somehow despite the target layer being selected.

      I used the "mask" technique, suggested by another poster, and I was able to achieve precisely what I wanted. So it's all good!

      Steve

      gener7
      Community Expert
      gener7Community Expert
      Community Expert
      December 21, 2018

      That's unusual. I always test my answers before posting. But since you have a good answer, you can continue with your work.

      Gene

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