How do you make gradient in Photoshop?

[Tran]

Gradient with two pictures, do you mean?

Exactly.

By the way, I'd prefer to discuss this openly in the thread. Therefore, we (beginner) all can at least learn something

[Lemur]

I know how to do it, but not how to describe it. Frustrating. Here's an online tutorial on the gradient tool, which may be of some help.

[Tran]

Sorry, but I can't find anything that taught me how to do it there.

[macsen rufus]

In Photoshop the secret is to use layer masks:

You need two layers to start with, one for each image, and I think they both have to be added as layers, don't think it works on background layer. Needs to be in RGB mode.

Keep your HISTORY window open as there's likely to be a lot of trial and error as you will probably want to change the results a few time

For each layer the process will be the same:

1) go to LAYERS > ADD LAYER MASK > HIDE ALL
2) open gradient tool (you might need to right-click your paint-bucket tool to find it)
3) at the top of your workspace there are gradient options
4) select a linear gradient from the four little icons there (but do feel free to play with radial, reflected etc, it's fun!)
5) open the drop-down menu from the gradient display and select "FOREGROUND to TRANSPARENT"
6) if you want a left-right gradient drag your cursor across the layer mask horizontally
7) go to LAYERS>REMOVE LAYER MASK>APPLY
8) you should now see the original image fade from 100% opacity to transparent across the area you dragged (if not then my memory is not as good as I thought )
9) a tip: a gradient will only work over the area dragged, so if you want a small area of fade but leave a larger area unfaded, just drag a short line near the middle of the image then you'll have a solid area, a rapid fade, then a transparent area

REPEAT on the other layer, but dragging your gradient tool in the opposite direction. You should now have two fades that overlap -- if you're happy with the results goto LAYERS>MERGE VISIBLEand that will leave you a single layer with the two images fading into each other.

Good luck!

[Xiahou]

In Photoshop the secret is to use layer masks:

That's definitely the way to go. I can't speak for the specific syntax, since I use the GIMP, but I use the same technique fairly regularly to blend a brighter copy of a picture with its original to brighten the foreground without blowing out the background- or visa versa.

Here's what I do in the GIMP. To blend different pictures just use a different picture instead of the brightened copy of the original. I realize this may not help the OP, but others here who use the GIMP might benefit.

[Tran]

In Photoshop the secret is to use layer masks:

Darn! I never knew this "secret" before. Thank for sharing and for the very-detailed-tutorial, rufus!

Now I can create gradient effect with Photoshop

Anyway, I assume layer mask is pretty important for many other image "effect creation" in Photoshop, yes?

[Lemur]

Photoshop is all about the layers, in the same way that Illustrator is all about the pen tool.