Add a gradient to a layer mask?

[TonyW]

A question that has been bugging me for some time is how can you add a gradient to an existing layer mask - or combine more than one gradient in a layer mask? Whatever I try just replaces the existing mask with the gradient. The only work-around I've found is copying the mask to a new file, adding a gradient layer, and copying the merged layers back and I'm sure there has to be a simpler way.

For example the top image is the mask from selecting a white sky from a building but I want to add a gradient so it combines with the existing mask not replaces it - to give something like the bottom image. That way when I use the mask to add a nice blue sky it gets a graduated shading to it. Does anyone know a simpler way to do it?

355

Tony

[GaryK]

Tony

I just did a quick try at something.

I made the existing mask (in your case buildings) active by ctrl clicking.
Then with that still active selected the gradiant tool (you could probably do it either way) then while holding the shift key and with the mask active I draged the gradiant.. seemed to work fo rme. :)


http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/11f4gSQ0dD7YAY3ki1dQlMhdJFYQn1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=11f4gSQ0dD7YAY3ki1dQlMhdJFYQn1)

[Daviskw]

Hi Tony

I do hope I am understanding the question...if I got it then

When you apply the gradient to the mask be sure you are using the foreground to transparency rather than foreground to background.

Here is an example with the square to begin and four gradients pulled from the corners.

Butch

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1bDZuoELjkzoNVDuKMQ3RGDZO13L1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1bDZuoELjkzoNVDuKMQ3RGDZO13L1)

[GaryK]

Tony

If this is for the gnomes.. I withdraw my suggestion:D:D

Those little b*&&ers are driving me batty. :p

[TonyW]

Thanks guys! Butch - that's it! I was using foreground to background. Foreground to transparent does exactly what I was trying to do. Many thanks. That one has been bugging me for a while. I was trying different blend modes but couldn't get them to do what I want.

Gary: Know what you mean about those gnomes. I have a few scattered around on different layers but have no idea what to do with them. And no, this wasn't for that. I have a bunch of rather uninteresting building pics that I'm trying to liven up for a web-site by giving them a quick sky replacement.

Tony

[GaryK]

Tony

I have cut them out a few times.. right now I just have the whole untouched photo in my bin. :confused:



Just curious.. not taking anything away from Butch's answer.
Did I totally mess up and get lucky :D or did I miss the point of the question.. re: the mask?

[karen donnybrook]

If this is for the gnomes.. I withdraw my suggestion:D:D

Those little b*&&ers are driving me batty. :p

Gary,

Where was the coffee warning when I needed it ;)

Karen

[Wendy]

OH No ...

I cleaned my screen yesterday and now I need to do it again :eek: :D :D

Wendy
PS ... They are driving me batty too

[TonyW]

Just curious.. not taking anything away from Butch's answer.
Did I totally mess up and get lucky :D or did I miss the point of the question.. re: the mask?

Gary: Your method works too :) . Thanks. I read Butch's reply first and the transparent thing suddenly clicked - your method works because you have the existing mask protected so the new gradient doesn't mess with it. Now I wonder why I was having so much trouble - must be the gnomes :D

Tony

[Wendy]

Tony ...

The little b*&&ers are getting in everywhere :eek:

Wendy

[GaryK]

Tony

Thanks for clarifying. I didn't have a real photo open to try it on, so I wondered if I just sort of made up sopmething that worked. :D

[Benny Pedersen]

A question that has been bugging me for some time is how can you add a gradient to an existing layer mask - or combine more than one gradient in a layer mask? Whatever I try just replaces the existing mask with the gradient. The only work-around I've found is copying the mask to a new file, adding a gradient layer, and copying the merged layers back and I'm sure there has to be a simpler way.

For example the top image is the mask from selecting a white sky from a building but I want to add a gradient so it combines with the existing mask not replaces it - to give something like the bottom image. That way when I use the mask to add a nice blue sky it gets a graduated shading to it. Does anyone know a simpler way to do it?

355

Tony

http://hjem.get2net.dk/b_pedersen/gallery/fld/base.jpg

The sky is light or missing on your lower layer and the sky is fine on the upper
layer (I guess) - Just put an image on the mask instead of a gradient. Hit Ctrl+A, Ctrl+C then paste on mask with Ctrl+V, Ctrl+D.
Ctrl+I to reverse the mask.
To put a gradient or whatever, just Alt Click the mask, then work on the mask...
Benny

[Benny Pedersen]

The sky is light or missing on your lower layer and the sky is fine on the upper
layer (I guess)
...SNIP...


A Free download action that using this technique,
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13616