How to Create a Transparent Gradient in Photoshop CS3

Posted by theWizard 4 September, 2008

I always wanted to create transparency using the gradient tool. I always wanted to fade it into background, there is a far more complicated way using the feather tool but I decided to post this as this is the easiest method I have come across and it works perfectly everytime.

The steps

1. Create a Photoshop file (PSD file) with 2 layers and a transparent background.

2. The 1st layer should be the image to be faded into transparent background.

3. The 2nd layer should be a transparent one.

4. Select the 1st layer and create a layer mask (this layer mask button is found on the bottom of the layers palette)

5. Select the gradient tool.

6. Set the gradient to black and white.

7. Apply gradient to make it fade into transparency.

8. If you want to add another transparent fade on the same image, right click on the 1st layer mask and select apply mask.

9. And again start creating the 2nd layer mask by repeating steps 4-6.

10. If you want it to fade into another image or color, add another image or color on the 2nd layer.