Erasing/Fading

[Iridium17]

I am trying to erase parts of a layer to reveal the second layer bellow the first layer, but I would like to have it fading.

Suggestions?

[Diana]

The best way to do something like that is to use a mask. Elements doesn't come with one, but there are addons that will do the job.

This thread has information about Grant's Tools: http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19112

Diana

[Rusty]

If you are a subscriber, there is a Killer Tips video that shows how to do exactly that.

The title is "Clipping Mask" and it is dated in December

Rusty

[Andrei Doubrovski]

Here is a simpler way:

- Select the area (for example, with with the Lasso or Marquee tool)
- Pull down Select > Feather... (or press [Alt+Ctrl+D]); in the "Feather" dialog, set "Feather Radius" to define the fading softness
- Pull down Select > Inverse or press [Shift+Ctrl+I] to invert the selection
- Pull down Edit > Clear or tap [Delete] key to remove the unnecessary areas

[cindersister]

Oh my Iridium that is something I have been working on with little success the past week or so. I am glad you asked the question. Thank you Rusty for pointing me in the correct direction with the killer tips. I am a subscriber but I have not looked at it all yet. I will do so and also try to work with the mini tutorial that Andrei left here also.

[JulieM]

I agree that the Killer Tips video on clipping masks is a great way to accomplish this. Here's a link to a thread where a lot of examples of this technique are displayed:

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18975

Also, if you are not yet a subscriber you can view the Killer Tips on iTunes instead.

[cindersister]

Thank you Julie for that link. I am a subscriber already. I also purchased some of the back issues of Elements magazine. In there was a bonus magazine all about elements 4 and the new things it can do. On the first page was information that any beginner to elements could use It also told me how to get layers separated from a picture a far easier way than I was doing it! I was on a roll last night and worked on about 5 pictures. It was soooo fun!
Saundra

[quillabee9]

One way is:

Open your image you want on the bottom in editor

open your second image (the one you want on top)
Select all (cntl-A)
copy (cntl-c)

Return first image
Edit-paste (cntl-v)

Return to bottom image
make a levels adjustment layer, make no adjustments
click "OK"

Return to the top image

Go to "Layers"
Select "Group with previous"

Now erase the part of the top layer you want. Obviously pick the right brush to help you fade where you want to.

There're probably ways to put a gradient adjustment layer in and play with that.

good luck

[Pauline]

the eraser should always be your last option as you can't unerase! A clippng mask is the best option and leaves you lots of room for corrections and changes.

When you want something done softly try lowering the opacity of your brush. Also chooses a softer brush.

[cindersister]

Sorry for the delay in responding. We had no internet access or phones for a few days. Hope we do not get anymore ice that is mistaken for snow by the weather person!
Thank you for the detailed instructions Gail. My sister is named Gayle :) I am exeprimenting with all of the diferent options I have been given. I did place 2 new pictures on my gallery. Please take a look. I used a mask for part of making my dog Elsa's picture. There are 5 layers to that one picture!