Quick mask and gradient tool

[Frank Zapper]

Hi Guys & Gals,

I have been trying to use the quick mask and gradient tool to fade the edges of pictures in order to blend pictures into each other.

This is fine until I want to fade more than one edge of a picture - when I use the gradient tool for a second time the first gradient mask disappears

how can I add to a mask using the gradient tool without losing the mask I have just created?

(I hope that makes some sort of sense)

Cheers

Frank

[supertackyman]

try using the reflected gradient, shown here:

[Frank Zapper]

Cheers STM - I assume that would fade opposing edges? Is it possible to fade edges on a 90 degree angle?

[supertackyman]

probably, but its easier to use the regular old mask tool and a big fuzzy brush to paint away where you want to fade or then, for that matter create a mask, use the gradient tool, create another mask, use the gradient the other way,
then on each, use the lasso tool from corner to corner and erase( or fill) the highlited areas. highlight one of the gradients and link the other gradient in your layer tab and merge linked. (dont really know for sure if that will work, but.....)

[Frank Zapper]

Cheers for the info, I will give your ideas a try - the big fuzzy brush is the way I have been going, but doesn't quite do what I want it to

Frank

[supertackyman]

anytime.
there are many others here that know waaaay more than I do and would probably have an easier way to do what you want. I kinda do things in a very odd manner sometimes.

[synthetic]

you can always tell the gradient tool to "overlay" when you want to apply multiple fades into one mask without losing first fade... just look at the options for the tool at top when selected and change "normal" to "overlay" just like using the layer blending modes

[Frank Zapper]

I like the idea of the overlay as it seems the easiest, but I must be doing something wrong as it is not working for me. It seems to affect the first gradient but doesn't select any more of the picture.

It looks like creating seperate layers may be the way.

I thought I had done this much more easily in the dim and distant past, but I just can't remember - I'll put it down to my age

Thanks once again for the input

Frank