Creating a black layer in CS6

I have a picture that I want to "black out" around the edges but in an irregular pattern. I did this in CS5 by adding a black layer and cutting out the part of the picture that I wanted to be seen with large feather edge. I can't seem to figure this out in CS6. Can someone help?

This is something that After Effects is very good at.
In Premiere, you can add a Generate Circle effect to a black video. That will get you a circular shape, which you can color black, then Invert Circle and bump up the feathering. That gets a Vignette look. But it will not have a irregular edge.
If you go over to AE, there are a lot of different options on doing this.

Similar Messages

When & why to create a "master layer" in CS6 for multi-layer image?

I would appreciate a link or a brief explanation of"when & why" and "how to use" a master layer when working with a multi-layered image (psd or psb) file in CS6.
I've done a google search and haven't found anything useful.
I've seen a couple of tutorials that make use of a "master layer" but I don't understand the "when & why."
Thanks, Chris Bernhardt

Yes a composit layer isoften a good work layer. When creatring them in action particulary if you give the actions to others to use thing can go badly if you just use Shift+Ctrl+Alt+E to create them for actions have no idea as to what the current Photoshop is when they start to play. Some targets will cause Shift+Ctrl+Alt+E not to work. The action also has not idea where in the stack the current target is. So its best to use three steps to create your composir work layer in actions. Shift+Ctrl+Alt+N Shift+Ctrl+Alt+E Shift+Ctrl+] can be shorten to Shift+Ctrl+Alt+N+E Shift+Ctrl+].
Shift+Ctrl+Alt+N Adds new enpth layer above current target without a prompt and becones the current target
Shift+Ctrl+Alt+E Stamps visible layers into the empty layer just added
Shift+Ctrl+] moes the stamped layer to the top of the stack.
The is a good work layer to doing many things Adding a Layers mask can isolate areas of intrest converting it to a smart object lets you use smart filters on it and also have a filter mask. Smert filtere can be re adjusted later.
Changing the layr blending mond, opacity, fill and blend if gray can help adjust the effect you creating.
Taking Noel sharpening adjustment layer few more steps
Create composit later on top add revail all layer mask convert to smart object layer
create a edge mask using a channel like a luminous selection that look like a blaack and white version of the image use the find edges filter on thet channel and add a levels adjustment to intensift the edges and load it as a selection usint the invert option.
Target the smart object layer and use one of the sharpening fiters on it. The edge selection will be added as a filter mask for the smart filter used for sharpening.
Change the smart object layer blending mode to luminosity so clors are not effected just the intensity and then adjust the blend if gary sliders split the black and white sliders to protect the images deepshadows ahd hightlights. Paint with Black in the layer to remove ant sharpening not desired.
to tweak the sharpen adjustment layer

Creating a New Layer Using Icons in Adjustment Palette

When creating a new layer using the icons in the adjustments palette and holding ALT in CS5 a dialog box would appear before creating the new layer. At this point you could rename the layer change the blending mode etc.
In CS6 I do not get the dialog box to appear the new layer is just created. I've tried to reset my preference twice and this has not help. Any ideas?

JJMack wrote:
Your memory has failed
On the contrary, your memory may have failed.
ACJ81 is correct (at least as far as Ps on OS X is concerned) and the problem was mentioned in the forum not too long ago. In CS5, Alt-clicking an icon in Adjustments panel does cause a New Layer dialog to pop open and the dialog fails to appear in CS6.
In CS6 and CS5, the dialog will appear if you pick an Adj Lyr from the Layer > New Adjustment Layer submenu, both with or without Alt modifier. (That lack of control over the appearance of an optional dialog when picking from a menu is an inconsistency in the interface.)
In CS6 and CS5, the dialog will appear if you Alt-click the black and white circle at bottom of Layers panel then pick an Adj Lyr from the menu, as Noel said.

Creating a "Duplicate Layer", crashes CS5

Since the update to Mac OS 10.6.7, when ever I attempt to create a "Duplicate Layer" of an image, CS5 crashes, sending an error message to the Mac persons, etc. I can only get around this issue, by switching CS5 back to 32 bit (from 64) and re-open the image. this method seems to always allow me to create a Duplicate Layer successfully. I normally work in Lightroom V3 and "edit" into CS5 and "save" back into LR. This I cannot do anymore, when I intend to create a Duplicate layer. ALL ELSE works fine and this has only occurred since I downloaded & installed the latest update to the Mac OS.
Has anyone else experienced this dilemma and if so, does anyone have a fix? Regards & thanks, Hyrom Jones.

JJMack wrote:
Your memory has failed
On the contrary, your memory may have failed.
ACJ81 is correct (at least as far as Ps on OS X is concerned) and the problem was mentioned in the forum not too long ago. In CS5, Alt-clicking an icon in Adjustments panel does cause a New Layer dialog to pop open and the dialog fails to appear in CS6.
In CS6 and CS5, the dialog will appear if you pick an Adj Lyr from the Layer > New Adjustment Layer submenu, both with or without Alt modifier. (That lack of control over the appearance of an optional dialog when picking from a menu is an inconsistency in the interface.)
In CS6 and CS5, the dialog will appear if you Alt-click the black and white circle at bottom of Layers panel then pick an Adj Lyr from the menu, as Noel said.

Eraser tool doesn't work for black layer mask

I am trying to set a black layer mask and use the eraser tool to edit it. Unfortunately the eraser tool is not responsive. I'm not knowingly doing anything differently than I've done in the past. I recently did a round of software updates for CS6. Wondering if anyone else is experienceing this and if there's a solution?

Check that foreground color in the toolbox is set to black. (opposite from when using the brush tool)
Press D and then the X key.
And that opacity and flow are 100%.
Most people use the brush tool on layer masks and you might find that works better.

How can I create a black and white image similar to what I see in the "Replace Color" tool?

Hi all, I'm just wondering how I can create a black and white image similar to what I see in the preview window of the "Replace Color" tool. See attached screenshot for clarification -- I need the grass to be black while the soil is white or vice versa. Any tips?

One way is to use Select>Color Range
Make a new Color Fill Layer>White
(Layer>New Fill Layer>Solid Color)
Put a new color fill layer below>black
Just invert the layer mask on the top fill layer for the opposite effect.

How can I feather the vector mask (path) of a shape layer in CS6?

How can I feather the vector mask, i.e. path of a shape layer in CS6?
The corresponding slider in the properties pallette is alway grayed out and unmovable for me when dealing with shape layers. Is there a trick to it, or ist it really not possible at all? (In CS5 you can feather any vector mask via the mask pallette, although the mask's behavior is most of the times quiet buggy after doing so.)
Or is there any other way to non-destructably blur a shape in CS6? (I know I can create a smart object and use a blur filter on it, but that's not really what i'm after.)
Thanks in advance for any help on this.
Reiz

Start from the beginning
- Select the Rectangle Tool - go to Options Bar, ensure 'Shape' options is on from the the Pick a Tool Mode drop down list.
- Draw Rect. This should create a vector Shape Layer.
- Select it in the Layers Panel: The Properties Panel then should highlight the Density and Feather options.
What happens here when you drag the Feather slider? On my end it feathers the vector shape as a whole.
If you need further masking capabilities, then apply a Layer Mask to the Shape and proceed with the Properties Panel Density/Feather options.
h

All my saved layers disappeared. Shows only one locked black layer.with red sripes

All my saved layers disappeared. Shows only one locked black layer.with red sripes

Apple changed the save behaviour several times in the past few versions of MacOsX - there is a good article about this:
http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/os-x-mountain-lion-how-apple-rescued-save-as
The trouble is, you should (I know, not much of a help to you at this point) always create backups AND work with versions. So save many versions (x1, x1a, x2, x2a, etc), because when you work within one master file you run the risk of these type of accidents and there is always a tiny change your file becomes corrupt for some external reason. You never know. Disk space is cheap, losing your work is often a real hassle, and can become very problematic when dealing with clients.
So, save many versions, and make backups of your work. And never NEVER open your original files in any other software - always use a duplicate. You never know what that software might do to your files.
Anyway, have you tried searching for the file name on your mac? Maybe, just maybe there is a duplicate lying around somewhere with the layers intact.

Is any chance to recover information after crash from "black layer"?

Hi
My PS just freezed PC and I had to reset... my PSB file is now corupted it loads only "black layer/ackgroud" while file is still 900mb. Is any chance to recover all the informations? PS didn't created any "recover file" >.> I've lost like 2h of work
cheers

zethrix wrote:
Hi
My PS just freezed PC and I had to reset... my PSB file is now corupted it loads only "black layer/ackgroud" while file is still 900mb. Is any chance to recover all the informations? PS didn't created any "recover file" >.> I've lost like 2h of work
cheers
but you did not use a BETA for actuall work.. you just played around... right?
as too not saving.. that is strange... i had 2 crashes in the 24 days of use but there was always a backup file.

How can I create a new layer that is a gradient?

Hi, i'm very new to photoshop scripting and am having some trouble.
I'm looking for a way to take an image i have and set it to have a gradient opacity as it approaches the middle, my thought on how to do that was to just create a layer that is a gradient from top left to bottom right and then attach that as a vector mask.
Any ideas on how I could create this gradient layer in script, or a better method of doing this opacity gradient?
Thanks in advance,
Levianth

You could try this:
// 2012, use it at your own risk;
#target photoshop
if (app.documents.length > 0) {
var myDocument = app.activeDocument;
var theLayer = myDocument.activeLayer;
if (theLayer.isBackgroundLayer == true) {theLayer.isBackgroundLayer = false};
// create gradient layer;
// =======================================================
var idMk = charIDToTypeID( "Mk " );
    var desc15 = new ActionDescriptor();
    var idnull = charIDToTypeID( "null" );
        var ref3 = new ActionReference();
        var idcontentLayer = stringIDToTypeID( "contentLayer" );
        ref3.putClass( idcontentLayer );
    desc15.putReference( idnull, ref3 );
    var idUsng = charIDToTypeID( "Usng" );
        var desc16 = new ActionDescriptor();
        var idType = charIDToTypeID( "Type" );
            var desc17 = new ActionDescriptor();
            var idType = charIDToTypeID( "Type" );
            var idGrdT = charIDToTypeID( "GrdT" );
            var idLnr = charIDToTypeID( "Lnr " );
            desc17.putEnumerated( idType, idGrdT, idLnr );
            var idGrad = charIDToTypeID( "Grad" );
                var desc18 = new ActionDescriptor();
                var idNm = charIDToTypeID( "Nm " );
                desc18.putString( idNm, "Custom" );
                var idGrdF = charIDToTypeID( "GrdF" );
                var idGrdF = charIDToTypeID( "GrdF" );
                var idCstS = charIDToTypeID( "CstS" );
                desc18.putEnumerated( idGrdF, idGrdF, idCstS );
                var idIntr = charIDToTypeID( "Intr" );
                desc18.putDouble( idIntr, 4096.000000 );
                var idClrs = charIDToTypeID( "Clrs" );
                    var list3 = new ActionList();
                        var desc19 = new ActionDescriptor();
                        var idClr = charIDToTypeID( "Clr " );
                            var desc20 = new ActionDescriptor();
                            var idRd = charIDToTypeID( "Rd " );
                            desc20.putDouble( idRd, 0.000000 );
                            var idGrn = charIDToTypeID( "Grn " );
                            desc20.putDouble( idGrn, 0.000000 );
                            var idBl = charIDToTypeID( "Bl " );
                            desc20.putDouble( idBl, 0.000000 );
                        var idRGBC = charIDToTypeID( "RGBC" );
                        desc19.putObject( idClr, idRGBC, desc20 );
                        var idType = charIDToTypeID( "Type" );
                        var idClry = charIDToTypeID( "Clry" );
                        var idUsrS = charIDToTypeID( "UsrS" );
                        desc19.putEnumerated( idType, idClry, idUsrS );
                        var idLctn = charIDToTypeID( "Lctn" );
                        desc19.putInteger( idLctn, 0 );
                        var idMdpn = charIDToTypeID( "Mdpn" );
                        desc19.putInteger( idMdpn, 50 );
                    var idClrt = charIDToTypeID( "Clrt" );
                    list3.putObject( idClrt, desc19 );
                        var desc21 = new ActionDescriptor();
                        var idClr = charIDToTypeID( "Clr " );
                            var desc22 = new ActionDescriptor();
                            var idRd = charIDToTypeID( "Rd " );
                            desc22.putDouble( idRd, 0.000000 );
                            var idGrn = charIDToTypeID( "Grn " );
                            desc22.putDouble( idGrn, 0.000000 );
                            var idBl = charIDToTypeID( "Bl " );
                            desc22.putDouble( idBl, 0.000000 );
                        var idRGBC = charIDToTypeID( "RGBC" );
                        desc21.putObject( idClr, idRGBC, desc22 );
                        var idType = charIDToTypeID( "Type" );
                        var idClry = charIDToTypeID( "Clry" );
                        var idUsrS = charIDToTypeID( "UsrS" );
                        desc21.putEnumerated( idType, idClry, idUsrS );
                        var idLctn = charIDToTypeID( "Lctn" );
                        desc21.putInteger( idLctn, 4096 );
                        var idMdpn = charIDToTypeID( "Mdpn" );
                        desc21.putInteger( idMdpn, 50 );
                    var idClrt = charIDToTypeID( "Clrt" );
                    list3.putObject( idClrt, desc21 );
                desc18.putList( idClrs, list3 );
                var idTrns = charIDToTypeID( "Trns" );
                    var list4 = new ActionList();
                        var desc23 = new ActionDescriptor();
                        var idOpct = charIDToTypeID( "Opct" );
                        var idPrc = charIDToTypeID( "#Prc" );
                        desc23.putUnitDouble( idOpct, idPrc, 0.000000 );
                        var idLctn = charIDToTypeID( "Lctn" );
                        desc23.putInteger( idLctn, 0 );
                        var idMdpn = charIDToTypeID( "Mdpn" );
                        desc23.putInteger( idMdpn, 50 );
                    var idTrnS = charIDToTypeID( "TrnS" );
                    list4.putObject( idTrnS, desc23 );
                        var desc24 = new ActionDescriptor();
                        var idOpct = charIDToTypeID( "Opct" );
                        var idPrc = charIDToTypeID( "#Prc" );
                        desc24.putUnitDouble( idOpct, idPrc, 100.000000 );
                        var idLctn = charIDToTypeID( "Lctn" );
                        desc24.putInteger( idLctn, 2048 );
                        var idMdpn = charIDToTypeID( "Mdpn" );
                        desc24.putInteger( idMdpn, 50 );
                    var idTrnS = charIDToTypeID( "TrnS" );
                    list4.putObject( idTrnS, desc24 );
                        var desc25 = new ActionDescriptor();
                        var idOpct = charIDToTypeID( "Opct" );
                        var idPrc = charIDToTypeID( "#Prc" );
                        desc25.putUnitDouble( idOpct, idPrc, 0.000000 );
                        var idLctn = charIDToTypeID( "Lctn" );
                        desc25.putInteger( idLctn, 4096 );
                        var idMdpn = charIDToTypeID( "Mdpn" );
                        desc25.putInteger( idMdpn, 50 );
                    var idTrnS = charIDToTypeID( "TrnS" );
                    list4.putObject( idTrnS, desc25 );
                desc18.putList( idTrns, list4 );
            var idGrdn = charIDToTypeID( "Grdn" );
            desc17.putObject( idGrad, idGrdn, desc18 );
        var idgradientLayer = stringIDToTypeID( "gradientLayer" );
        desc16.putObject( idType, idgradientLayer, desc17 );
    var idcontentLayer = stringIDToTypeID( "contentLayer" );
    desc15.putObject( idUsng, idcontentLayer, desc16 );
executeAction( idMk, desc15, DialogModes.NO );
// move layer below;
var theGradient = myDocument.activeLayer;
theGradient.move(theLayer, ElementPlacement.PLACEAFTER);
// clipping mask;
theLayer.grouped = true

LACK OF FULL PEN TOOL FUNCTIONALITY WHEN CREATING A SHAPE LAYER

Hello, I'm going through Chris Meyer's video course on being an AE apprentice and have spent over an hour on the following issue.
Here is what I know.
I know I am trying to create a shape layer, not a mask, to create a frame to surround the video of the green field on the attached screenshot. Therefore, I pressed "F2" to make sure I am doing so.
I want to define the borders of this picture frame by using the pen tool to draw a path on the layer entitled "Windy Peak".
I have highlighted that layer in my timeline.
This video was pasted on to a placeholder shape that I had created using Command Option "/" on my Mac.
I do have limited use of the pen tool, because it displays properly when I hover it above the borders of the video to be framed.
But I lack access to the toolbar controls I want to complete my assignment.
For example, I would like to create a gradient to define the internal coloration of this frame, but I have no use of the eyedropper when I click on the Color Picker.
Also, I am unable to access or manipulate any of the standard fill or stroke options for use of my pen.
This is what I know.
Thanks for your help! Matt
Message was edited by: Matt Dubuque to add the fact that the video had been pasted on to a placeholder shape image by pressing Command Option "/" on my Mac.

Thanks for pitching in Todd and Rick, I appreciate it very much.
As previously stated, I do have use of the pen tool, but it only has limited functionality as demonstrated by the path I created on the green meadow. My Tools Panel remains activated .
My core problem remains that I am unable to adjust the fill or stroke settings for my pen.
I have tried changing and resetting various work spaces and this has not helped.
I'm scratching my head here.
Matt

Creating a new layer request...

Does anyone know of a plugin that when creating a new layer, the name of the layer is immediately editable or which brings up a dialog window prompting you to name it, as in photoshop and illustrator?
This would really speed things up.
Thanks,

Yeah I knew that but it means you gotta use the mouse to click on it which just a pain all the time. I avoid using the mouse whenever possible.
I was hoping a new layer with the name immediately editable could be done with one gesture.
For example in photoshop, you do the short cut for new layer which is ⌥⌘N and that brings up a window with the layer name immediately editable. No mouse needed.
Thanks for your help anyway!

How do I retrieve a corrupted psd file that opens up as a black layer?

The preview of the picture still appears when I select it in Photoshop, and even appears for a few seconds in Adobe Bridge before going back to black. But nothing I tried, from restore plug ins to online retrieve systems (that tried to bring back individual layers, only accounting to a single black layer and a bunch of blank ones) worked. I'd really like to get the picture back, or at least a png of it, but I'm at loss for what to try next. I use Cs5.1 64 bits, if anyone needs to know...

I solved the problem, actually! Although yesterday it didn't show, today previous versions for restore were available and it restored back my picture to an earlier date. Lost a few days of work but I'm relieved it's all back now...

FLVs created with ADOBE MEDIA ENCODER CS6 do not display thumbnails in ADOBE BRIDGE CS6

Could you please attempt to shed some light on why FLVs created with ADOBE MEDIA ENCODER CS6 do not display thumbnails in ADOBE BRIDGE CS6, yet apple finder is able to display thumbnails for these same FLVs without issue?
I'm running CS6 Production Premium with ALL updates installed on 10.6.8
I appreciate any input and help provided the input is provided by someone who either
A) knows the answer because they actually work for adobe
B) actually tried this themselves before attempting to provide a solution
If the conclusion is that it is a codec issue or a header issue with the FLVs You'd have to present a very strong case to back that claim up as it makes no sense whatsoever that CS6 is unable to generate thumbnails for media encoded using CS6, yet Apple finder can without issue. NOT to mention the FLVs in question are CREATED on the same machine with the same codecs installed that is trying to generate previews in Bridge.
Apologies if my frustration is showing, I've gotten and seen several... incompetent replies on this forum regarding this issue and it has never been actually addressed properly as far as I can tell by Adobe support.

We are all just incompetent users here. As pointed out before this is just a user to user forum, Adobe rarely checks in.
I was hoping by now you would have gotten to the bottom of this problem and were offering a solution.

Problem with Photoshop Elements 11 - I am trying to create a fill layer

I am trying to create a fill layer. I am really missing something but I don't know what it is. I bring up a photo, go into Expert. i click layer at the top then click new fill layer and solid colour. It all works but then that is all that I can see and I cannot make it a background and put the picture in it.

Elements has its own forum Photoshop Elements
Element most likely has more the one way to do that. Photoshop does. In Elements advance mode in the layer palette the is an Icon the can be use to add different types of layers and the layer menu also has items to add different type of layers.

Creating a black layer in CS6

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