I cannot reach transparency with gradient overlay.

[TheJayyBe]

I am experiencing problems to create a layer with transparency, every layer I have, no matter what color is replaces transparency to white color as my layer is white, it keeps all the image white (opacity is at 0%):



What happens if I select foreground to black:



I ask if my Photoshop is working right, someone knows what is happening, I need a layer with real transparency.

 

[ibclare]

I take it your document is transparent. I know that sounds like a dumb question, but if your are working above a white layer or on a background layer, you won't see the transparent. Again, I know that is likely not the case.

Definitely, if you have chosen the color fade to transparent in the picker, then that is what you should get. If not, then something is wrong. If you are choosing the color to transparency and the gradient result is a solid color, then be sure you have the transparency box checked, up in the tool menu at the top.

If neither of these is the case, try resetting your preferences and see if that fixes the problem.

Otherwise . . . maybe another more technical member will suggest a fix.

 

[TheJayyBe]

I tried to reset to settings default, nothing happened.. As we always lose some information in pictures I did a short intuitive video to show the problem, maybe is only some detail that I didn't got, please give a look:

Thanks.

 

[IamSam]

You have to answer me quickly.

Turn off all other layer except the layer you want to add the gradient overlay, and try again. Post your results.

 

[IamSam]

Also, you can NOT add a white to transparent "gradient Overlay" (via Layer Styles) to a transparent background.

You can, however, add a white to transparent gradient to a transparent background using the Gradient Tool.

By the way, in your video, the layer your trying to add the white to transparent gradient to is WHITE! So you wont see the transparent end!

 

[IamSam]

A White "Foreground to Transparent" gradient. (Made with the Gradient Tool)


A White "Foreground to Transparent" gradient on a Black background.


A White "Foreground to Transparent" gradient on a Red background.


A White "Foreground to Transparent" gradient on a WHITE background.


You can't see it!

 

[Hoogle]

sam is right you cant overlay something that is not there so it fills in white pixels.

if you want the gradient to fill a small section use the marquee tool to make a round or square selection and then use regular gradient tool. It will only effect the selected area

 

[TheJayyBe]

It's okay for me, I did this "box" in white:



But if I want to do it with an image or the border (as you the image) above, that is not a simple white rectangle, if I want to do an image gradually transparent and do not want to use any background behind this border, just nothing (Because I want to export it as png with it's transparency to use with any image I want in the background not just one previously chosen). Is it possible?

 

[ibclare]

To fade an image such as you show, put a mask on the layer and add a black to white gradient to the mask. Black and white are the default colors that come up with a mask, as the black to grey colors will act like an eraser and the white will leave pixels alone. Black to transparent will do the same thing.

 

[IamSam]

Good idea Clare!

You can also do it this way.
I would add a new transparent layer above the layer I wanted the gradient to appear and just use a standard Foreground to Transparent Gradient with black as my foreground color.........then adjust the opacity.

Note: If the gradient needs to be within a specific area, as suggested by Hoogle, on a new transparent layer use your Rectangular Marquee Tool to select the area you wish the gradient to appear.

or................

You can also use what's called a "Neutral Density" gradient.

In your Gradient Editor, select the Neutral Density preset......



Now, use your Gradient Tool, hold the shift key, and add the gradient from one side to the other. Repeat if necessary.



Remember you can step backwards as well! Command/Control + Z.