How to apply gradient to all 4 sides of an image?

basslion · 11-26-2007, 08:42 PM

I have a picture on a white background layer. i want to convert the picture to a layer mask and then choose the gradient tool and apply a gradient from all 4 sides of the image so the image fades to white on all 4 sides, how do i do this?

Everytime i try this, i can only do the first side and then any other sides i do cancel out the first side.

Regards,

Matt

UniVersifier · 11-27-2007, 07:52 AM

OK try this...

select the layer (picture) then go to blending options(layer>layer style>blending options),

select the 'inner glow'

select the colour in 'structure' to white

in 'elemments'
technique=precise (you could use 'softer' for a more rounded edge, up to you)
source=edge
play around with size and choke and adjust to your preference

lemme know how it turns out.

-uni

basslion · 11-27-2007, 01:48 PM

just like the rounded corner gif question you replied to, what if i have a background below this image that i want to show through and this background varies in colors. I cant do a solid color inner glow from all 4 sides. Where it glows in from each side is where i want the background to show through the image on all 4 sides. thats why i want to use the manual gradient next to paint bucket. I have done this before dragging in from each side of the image and it makes all for sides have opacity which lets the background shine through on all 4 sides.

Now when i try it though, it can only do one gradient and then next one cancels out the first one.

**3ncryptabl3_lick** · 11-27-2007, 07:32 PM

-Open your image and unlock that layer as the background layer.

-Create a new layer and draw your shape.
Rasterize it...
Gaussian blur it to get a nice gradation.

-Then set your gradient shape below the image layer (so layer 1 is your image, layer 2 is your gradient shape)

-Then r-click layer 1 (your image) and choose 'Create clipping mask'.

Done.

Now your background will show through the edges measured by the amount of blur (gaussian) you added earlier. Of course you can add more as you see fit, after the fact. Also if you dont like it, you can r-click the image layer again (layer 1) and 'Release clipping mask'.

Of course you can use anything you want as the mask. You can draw with the bursh, use any shape... After you've set it up, you can move the mask, draw on that layer and it will add to the mask... Erase, whatever.

And it's none destructive so you're not actually altering the original image.

**3ncryptabl3_lick** · 12-04-2007, 09:27 PM

nm.. i thought i made a mistake in my explanation but i made a mistake. ;P

clink · 12-05-2007, 09:01 AM

Surely just applying a white to transparent gradient from one side on a new layer and repeating this on a separate layer for each side would work fine?

**3ncryptabl3_lick** · 12-05-2007, 09:30 AM

There's no comparison to that and the method I outlined.

prabinpebam · 04-13-2008, 06:27 PM

There's a new feature in CS3 which was there also in earlier versions but has been improved in CS3. The technique I'm going to explain here will do for any shape, even irregular one. The aim is to fade out a shape equally on all sides.
To do that u first need to select that object. U can do that by pressing cntrl and clicking on the thumbnail that appears on the layer panel (that would select whatever shape in that layer exactly in that shape) . Now goto select in the menu and chose refine edges. ur images turns white with only the selected area visible. U get many sliders to control. U adjust those sliders to get the amount of fading out u want.
Once u click OK, the selection area has been changed. This slection is a special selection. whatever filter or command you apply in this selection will be carried out in a gradient manner. if u apply blur, the centrall part will be blurred with full intensity and the intensity of blurring will decrease as it goes towards the periphery of the selection.

If u press delete now, it will delete the image from the centre and show u a slowly fading out periphery. But that's not what u want. So press Ctrl + i to reverse your selection and press delete. U should get what u want but chances are u probably are not experienced in using the refine edge tool and u still don't get the correct amount of fading out of the periphery as u'd wanted. Do it again and u'll get it the next time.