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   Photoshop Elements Course

Project #22 - Creating Gradual Fadeouts

At some point or another we have used the Quick Mask editing mode, or the Gradient tool to make selections and create effects. This tutorial is going to show you how to combine both these commands together, ending up with a gradual and seamless fade on an object.

  1. [Background Image]Open your background image into Photoshop. For my example I used a background image of a space nebula.

  2. Open up your second image that contains the object you want to use. If necessary, draw a selection around the object with the LASSO tool. Next, press the V key to activate the MOVE tool and drag the selection on to the first image.

  3. Click on the first icon on the bottom of the LAYERS palette to add a LAYER MASK. Press B to activate the PAINTBRUSH and then select a medium, soft-edged brush. Paint away all that is around your object. If you make a mistake, simply press the X key and re-paint the original background back in again.

    When you are left with just the object, discard the LAYER MASK by dragging its icon onto the TRASHCAN. Make sure you don't drag the image of your object, because it will be deleted. Click on APPLY to accept the LAYER MASK you have just made.

    Now that you have just your object on its own layer, its time to apply a gradual fade. This is done using a combination of QUICK MASK and the GRADIENT FILL tool.

  4. [Gradient Fill Icon]Press the Q key to enter QUICK MASK editing mode. Select the GRADIENT FILL tool from the tool box, and then press the ENTER key to access its options. Make sure that Foreground to Background is selected from the drop-down list.

  5. Move your cursor to just above the top center of your object, click and hold your left mouse button and drag a line to just past the bottom of the object. (NOTE: to force a straight line, hold down the SHIFT key while dragging the cursor).

  6. You should now see a mask, gradually fading out on your screen. Press the Q key once more to return to the STANDARD EDITING mode. You should now see the selection (marching ants) around the bottom half of your object.

  7. Finally, simply press the DELETE key to remove part of the object. Because we combined the QUICK MASK and GRADIENT FILL tools together, the object gradually disappears, leaving a smooth, gradual transition.

    [Finished Image]You can use the method on most of your projects. Try combining other tools with the QUICK MASK to see what effects you can come up with.