Gradient in a layer mask: maybe i'm an idiot...

[Eric Schurr]

I'm amazed i can't figure out how to do something that I think should be very easy.

I want to create a gradient in a layer mask. Let's say i've adjusted the Levels on a photo and want to gradually mask it from top to bottom.

I can easily create a gradient in the mask (select the mask, click on gradient tool, select the gradient, and click-drag on the canvas) -- but how do i create a gradient that is "rectangular"? That is, i want the gradient to be equally light from left to right at the top of the photo, then darker as i move down (so that the gradient has the same fill at all points in a horizontal line but changes vertically). All the gradients in the selection area are angled so that when i click-drag them i get a gradient that has a triangular/pyramid-type shape to it, not one that is rectangular.

I can easily create the type of gradient i want by using a gradient adjustment layer (there's no click-dragging with this), but this doesn't work in a layer mask.

this has got to be easy -- help!

[Carbone]

Eric,

The gradients you see are only preview. The gradients are actually drawn in the direction you click, from the click of the mouse to the point where you release it. To draw in a straight line or angle of 45 degrees, hold the shift key after you first click to apply the gradient.

So, click, press shift, drag down, release mouse button, release shift. You'll have a perfectly rectangular gradient.

Hope this helps!

Ray

[Eric Schurr]

Ray,
thanks for your reply. I was click-dragging as you described but not getting the results i wanted. however, i just tried again and it worked the way i wanted it to. i don't know what i did differently, but i'm just glad it worked.

sorry to have bothered you.

[Carbone]

Hey, you didn't bother anyone around here! We're always glad to help!

Sometimes, taking a break and trying again later fixes a few things :D

Ray