Layers, Opacity, and Gradients, Oh My!

[Radtech1]

All

I have a question about applying a gradient opacity to various layers in either PsE 2.0 or Ps 7.0.

In a nutshell, I have an image made up of 3 layers. I would like one layer to be completely transparent at the top, gradually (hence the gradient) becoming 100% opaque at the bottom. Another layer needs to be just the opposite, clear at the bottom, 100% opaque at the top. The 3rd should be opaque in the center, turning transparent as you approach either edge.

Any thoughts on how to do this?

Radtech1

[slejhamer]

In PS7, assign a layer mask to each layer. (You can not do this to the background layer, so you'll need four layers in total.)

Reset your color swatches to black and white. Click on the gradient tool and select the foreground to background gradient.

In the layer palette, click on the white box (layer mask) for the top layer to make the mask active. Now click and drag your pointer from the bottom of the image to the top. Notice how the layer mask changes from all white to black and white. Anything in the black area is hidden (made transparent) and anything in the white area is opaque.

Select the layer mask for the bottom layer and drag across your image in the opposite direction.

For the middle layer, set the gradient to "reflected." Now start dragging in the middle of the image to either the top or bottom edge. The layer should be opaque in the center and transparent at the top and bottom.

Hint: hold down the shift key while you drag the gradient to ensure that your line is perfectly straight.

Cheers,

[john_houghton]

I would just add that the layer mask can be made to show as a red (ruby) overlay by pressing the backslash key. Press it again to hide the mask.

John

[dtrayers]

and I will add that PSE2 doesn't support layer masks like PS7, so this technique won't work with PSE2.

If you only have PSE2, then I suggest you pick up a copy of Richard Lynch's Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements. He describes a work-around for the lack of layer masks. This is the main reason I upgraded to PS7.