Applying Gradients

[dmeltesen]

How can I apply a gradient to a colorfilled rectangle for instance. I have the rectangle filled with green & placed in its own layer on top of a photo background layer. Would like the rectangle to have text overlayed & then a a gradient applied to go from dark to clear. I just can't figure out how to apply the gradient...as when I do...it applies the gradient to the entire background photo.

Please help

[Juergen D]

How can I apply a gradient to a colorfilled rectangle for instance.
Select the rectangle (with the Rectangular Marquee Tool), then, with the selection active, use the Gradient Tool and pull a line, just inside or even outside to inside the selection box.

Juergen

[dmeltesen]

With the rectangle shape layer selected & the rectangle selected...I draw the line and it requests the layer be simplied first. So I do that. Then draw my line...doesn't work. No fading. UGGG.... I'm so frustrated!

[Juergen D]

It is not the Rectangle Tool, it is the Rectangular Marquee Tool that you want to use for this. It's the fifth tool from the top in PSE5. :)

Juergen

[Diana]

Aah, you have a shape layer, not a rectangular selection made with the rectangular marquee. When you said you had a color filled rectangle, it sounded like you had made a rectangular selection and filled it with color.

Try this. Create a new blank layer above your shape layer and with that new layer active, Ctrl-click on your shape layer to get a selection from it (you'll get the marching ants in that shape). Than apply your gradient to that new layer.

Diana

[dmeltesen]

Yeah, I think I got it figured out. Something stupid on my part