How to Create a Transparent Gradient in Photoshop

To do this tutorial there are 2 files available in the All Module Folders / Digital Scrapbooking Folder / Tutorial & Activity Files Folder

Pictures: Transparent Gradient01 & Transparent Gradient02
Transparent Gradient

This page demonstrates one way to create a gradient which fades an image to transparency using Adobe Photoshop.

This technique can be used to fade an image into the background colour or another image, text, etc.

 

Create a new photoshop file with two layers - one blank and the other (2) containing the image to be made transparent. Select the image's layer.

In PS-Elements - Layer menu - new fill layer - Gradient

A layer mask is created in the image layer.

 Add Layer Mask Layer Mask Applied

 

Select the gradient tool and apply a black/white gradient to the image layer.

Gradient Tool

 

 

In the example below, a gradient is applied to the photo from right to left.

 

No Transparency   Fade to Transparent
(1) The original image.   (2) With the gradient applied, you can see the checkered pattern which indicates the blank layer.
Fade to White   Fade to Another Photo
(3) To fade the photo to white, fill the blank layer with solid white.   (4) To fade the photo into another image, place the second image in a layer below the photo.