Member Avatar for gameplay360

i have proplem fading images in photoshop for some reason? how do you fade images together? as i am trying to do a new website header.
When i click add layer mask i dont get the little link image bettween them in the layers window?
not sure if anyone can help on this

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by macneato

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— the little chain you expect sits between a layer thumbnail and its layer mask and simply shows that the mask is linked to the layer (so moving one moves the other). If you add a mask and do not see that chain, the usual causes are: the mask wasn't actually added to that layer (no mask thumbnail), or the Layers panel is too narrow so the thumbnails and chain are off‑screen. Widen the Layers panel (drag its left edge) or open the Layers panel menu > Panel Options and increase the thumbnail size so both thumbnails and the chain become visible.

A fast, non‑destructive way to cross‑fade two images (without deleting pixels) is to put the top image on its own layer, add a layer mask, select the mask thumbnail, then use the Gradient tool directly on the mask (black hides, white reveals). Dragging a black‑to‑white linear gradient on the mask creates a smooth transition. To refine the softness, select the mask and use the mask Properties panel Feather slider (or apply Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur to the mask on older versions). Useful shortcuts: Alt‑click the mask thumbnail to view the mask, Ctrl‑click to load it as a selection, and Shift‑click to temporarily disable the mask.

This keeps edits reversible and complements the ideas already posted by , and . If the chain still never appears after widening the panel and confirming a mask thumbnail exists, check that you added a pixel layer mask (not a vector mask) and that you’re working on the intended layer — those are the common gotchas.

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Member Avatar for Jordan_29

Not sure what you mean by fading images together but there is several ways to blend images together...

1. Double click on layer you want to blend with one underneath and play with the blending sliders...

2. Reduce opacity of top layer to create crossfade fx

3. Play with blending modes (next to opasity in layer palette you have dropdown that says normal...multiply is often very handy...try different ones to find the one you are after)

Hope that those helps.... not sure if answered you question though :D

Member Avatar for macneato

Ok... i think i know what you mean, like how corel offers you the effect to create a image opacity from 100 to transparent. simple but you will require ps CS2 or above.

Create a gradient, set the [1st] opacity stop to 100% and the colour stop to white (if this is the background colour your working with) then set the [2nd] opacity stop to 0% and the colour stop to white as well.

Then create the gradient on a new layer. Place it below the image you'd like to fade. Right click > create clipping mask

There you go, magic.

If you confused, view the image attached

If you felt this help or even better, solved your problem. Add to my rep. Thanks

tut.gif 35.91 KB
Member Avatar for ForestTech

If you're trying to make two images look like they fade into each other, I think the effect you're looking for is a "feather" effect. The method I use is definitely not the best, but it's what I know.

1) Import both images into photoshop on separate layers.

2) Select the marquee tool. Up the top in the properties bar, change the feather value to 15 or 20 px (you will need to play with this depending on the size and resolution of the image).

3) Use the marquee tool to "select" the edge that you wish to fade into the next image. Press delete and you should see that the image is removed from the marqueed area, as well as gradient type effect that extends just past the marquee area.

If any of this doesn't make sense, or if anyone has any other way to do it, just let me know.

Cheers
Luke
ForestTech

Member Avatar for macneato

Works... But slightly more complicated then my method because the fade can't be altered as easily because you cutting off the orginal image

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