Step-by-Step guide to Soften Edges in Photoshop 2020

[DaveMan1000]

Hello

I'm trying to soften the edges of an image in order to place it on top of another one so that it fades into it seamlessly.

I've looked at guides and watched videos, but none of them represent the current version of Windows Photoshop. What is effortless in something like Publisher is made much more complicated in PS.

Could I please get a step-by-step guide with reference pictures to know how to soften the edges of an image?

I'm after the most basic softening:

If I place this image atop another, then the edges will naturally fade into it.

Thanks.

[Chuck Uebele]

Are you talking about the fading at the very edges of the entire image? If so, just have either one layer, or put all layers in a group. Press ctrl/cmd-A to select all. Go to the selections menu and select Modify>Feather. enter in the amount you want it to fade, and make sure you click "Apply effect at canvas bounds." Then add a layer mask with that selection.