Graduated layer mask description.

[Gary Richardson]

Hi Neb,

This is a short descriptionon how to use Graduated Layer masks in compiling a collage.

Started with background image.

Pasted image of Chalet into layer above. I wanted to fade from one into the other, so I used a Graduated Mask to accomplish the transition (I also moved the 2nd image to the right first, because I didn't need to use it all).

To make a Gradient Mask

• Click on Chalet layer to make it active.
• Open Layer palette, and click on Layer mask symbol (dotted circle) to add a layer mask.
• Go to Tool palette, and select Graduation Tool, by Alt+Clicking on Paint Bucket.
• In Bar at top of page select Linear gradient.
• Set Foreground/Background colours to Black/White.
• Make Layer maskactive, by clicking it in the layer palette.
• Now drag the Gradient Tool cursor from left to right on your picture to get a gradient mask (or right to left if needed).
• Experiment with where you start and stop the drag to get the blend transition you want.
  

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I now copied 2 new pictures into 2 new layers, and resized and moved them to compose things as I wished. Then I selected each in turn, and put a black border round by using Edit > Stroke.

New layer, and I put in a text layer with white text.

Copied text to a new layer, and changed text colour to red. (Thought I'd do another Graduated Mask to fade text from white to red).

Applied Graduated layer mask to the red text layer using same method as described above.

Hope this explains things, if there's any point that needs clarifying, let me know.

(I haven't put see through white layer that fades like on the example you sent me, because it wouldn't have shown on the pictures I used, but simply create a blank white layer, apply a mask as described above, then reduce layer opacity to get effect you want).

[nebgranny]

Thank you Gary , I just printed out the tutorial and will be using it today when I get back from a wedding . It looks just the way I wish it to be. I do like the white layer on top with opacity lowered on the example. Neb

[Gary Richardson]

Have fun at the Wedding.