Gradient Transparency for Vector Mask

I am having trouble getting my gradient tool to work on a vector mask for transparency. I haven't changed any settings! Nothing happens when I use the gradient tool. Someone help please??

I think I may have not explained my situation well enough. Hopefully this helps clarify, which will help you to answer again if you can. Thanks for replying! You seem to know a lot and I am really hopeful that you can help me out.
I'm working on a photo, which is the background layer. I've created a basic action that lightens my image. This of course is a new layer and I don't want the whole image lightened, just parts. Once I click on that action and the new layer is created, I then hit the vector mask button in my lower layer tab, to create a mask, which I then use the gradient tool to adjust accordingly. In my example, I use this to then only lighten a part of the photo either with the side to side gradient or the circle gradient. I apologize for the lack of proper terms! This has always worked in the past.
I think the problem has something to do with the gradient not working. Even if I put a solid shape in a new layer, it does nothing when I try to use the gradient on that.
Does this clarify my problem any better?

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Question on Vector Mask Functionality

Hello everyone, I'm fairly new to Photoshop CS 5 so I apologize if I am asking the wrong type of questions, here goes:
When working with Vector Masks can you:
1) "Link" or "share" one image's vector mask with other images? (ex. If I made "Building A" then duplicated it, but then wanted to change what Building A looked like, I would only have to change the source mask and the copies would be updated.
2) Move the image independent of the vector mask (it seems like I can only move the vector mask, not the image itself). Or in other words: can I move the image and have the mask follow it, instead of only being able to move the vector mask inside of the image boundaries?
My application of the question:
I'm making a 2D top down layout of a "city block" type area. To fill in the buildings, I've made Building A,B,C etc, and use multiple copies of each building. Ideally, I would like to be able to "link" or share say Building A's vector mask with all the other instances of Building A (so that when I change the master, they all change to the new mask shape). The second behavior I'm trying to find is the ability to move the layer without moving where the Vector Mask is on that layer (since it seems that you can only move where the mask is, meaning that even if I could share masks, they would all end up in the same place meaning I would have to re-position each one by hand again.
Any ideas are appreciated, thank you for reading.

When working with Vector Masks can you:
1) "Link" or "share" one image's vector mask with other images? (ex. If I made "Building A" then duplicated it, but then wanted to change what Building A looked like, I would only have to change the source mask and the copies would be updated.
Yes, this is possible, but not with the classic layer vector mask system in Photoshop. Layer masks are part of a layer, and not individual layers themselves, so they cannot be converted into a reusable object.
The solution is to avoid vector layer masks, and use a clipping mask/layer instead. A clipping mask/layer CAN be converted to a reusable smart object, and when you change one, all the other instances change as well.
The second part of the solution is to convert both the content layer(s) and the clipping mask/layer to a smart object. Then group the lot. Incidentally, if your buildings are made up of several elements you merely have to include those additional elements in the clipping group. Another advantage is that each elements can still have its own regular layer mask. Win win situation. And layer effects can be applied to clipping layers/masks, which is again impossible for layer masks. It also opens up the gates to a far less destructive workflow.
2) Move the image independent of the vector mask (it seems like I can only move the vector mask, not the image itself). Or in other words: can I move the image and have the mask follow it, instead of only being able to move the vector mask inside of the image boundaries?
This is also solved when using clipping masks/layers - both the content and the mask can be moved independently as regular layers. Another advantage is that both can also be transformed individually.
My application of the question:
I'm making a 2D top down layout of a "city block" type area. To fill in the buildings, I've made Building A,B,C etc, and use multiple copies of each building. Ideally, I would like to be able to "link" or share say Building A's vector mask with all the other instances of Building A (so that when I change the master, they all change to the new mask shape). The second behavior I'm trying to find is the ability to move the layer without moving where the Vector Mask is on that layer (since it seems that you can only move where the mask is, meaning that even if I could share masks, they would all end up in the same place meaning I would have to re-position each one by hand again.
Any ideas are appreciated, thank you for reading.
So here is my solution. I made a sample with two top view buildings that should be reused the way you want:
1) FIrst create groups for each building, and put the content in those. Then trace vector layer shapes over the content. Set the transparency for the mask layers to a sensible opacity setting for easier masking.
2) Put the vector shape below the content layer for each building. Then for (1) and (2), <ALT> click on the border between the content and the shape layer. (<OPTION> for Mac) This will mask the building content. (3) Do not forget to reset the layer opacity for the shape layers back to 100%!
3) Next, let's convert these building into recyclable objects. Convert each content and clipping mask layer to a smart object. Then rename those smart object layers to something sensible (honestly, I forgot to label the layers properly earlier, but you catch my meaning here ;-)
Done! To clone each building, duplicate the layer groups. For each instance you can move the content (handy if you are sharing multiple building graphics in the same bitmap or illustrator file), or you can decide to move the mask instead. Or both. Same holds true for transforming. Your choice. To move or transform a building, select the layer group.
To change or amend the masks or content, double-click on the smart object of your choice, and make some changes.
Also, don't forget that you can insert additional elements in a clipping group by placing it above the first clipped layer, and then <ALT> clicking again on the border between them. So in theory you could start constructing different looking buildings by adding in other smart objects in the clipping groups. The sky is the limit! This way you can create several building blocks to construct various buildings with different looks. And still limit the number of blocks - and all update-able.
Unfortunately, this is where the workflow breaks down a tad: due to the smart object's implementation in Photoshop you CANNOT edit the mask or building's content in context - instead it opens up in its own file window. This can be somewhat mitigated by placing both windows side by side (window->Arrange-->Two-up Vertical).
This brings us to the second caveat: when you do make a change, the edits are not updated in realtime in the master document. You must first save. Again a bit of a workflow breaker, but still... At least you now have a non-destructive instanced workflow.
The smart object content can be replaced easily with a right-mouse click on the smart object layer itself. Or use a externally referenced smart object instead if you prefer to generate your buildings in an external application.
Btw, Photoline's layer system is far more logical and easier to use for this type of work. Layer masks behave like regular layers. Layers, groups, masks, external file layers, and so on can be virtually cloned and instanced like smart objects, but the master object is editable in context, and all the other instances update in realtime. So it is more convenient. At least, that is my experience.
Hope this was helpful! Now go build your cities. :-)
PS: I was thinking: isn't Illustrator or InDesign is far more logical choice for this type of work where you need access to reusable blocks of content? It would also be a more efficient and speedier workflow - Photoshop isn't really meant for this type of work. And Illustrator and InDesign potentially provide better output quality. You can also divide your work in pages, and so on. Then again, you would probably lose the flexibility of smart objects.

Vector mask error after editing mask - Mac CS5

Hi There,
When I create a rounded corner vector shape then apply a gradient vector mask, the result is as expected - the gradient in the vector mask fades the object as per the mask.
If I then edit the mask (either by moving the start/end points or try to make the end point not fully transparent) the gradient stops sharply.
The result is an mask with a gradient that stops short about 30px from the end of the object - so I see the gradient stop and the mask just cuts off.
Not sure what I'm doing wrong - any suggestions would be most welcome.
Cheers
Ben

I've run into this as well and believe it is a bug. While you can't avoid it, you can repair it.
In the Layers panel, click the chainlink icon between the mask and maskee. This breaks the size relationship between the two objects.
Select the mask in the Layers panel, then either use the Scale tool or the W and H fields in the Properties panel to correct the size.
Relink the two objects by clicking in the chainlink area.
HTH

How do i remove transparent corners left by a vector mask?

Hi i'm new to photoshop but i've managed to create a logo that i'm quite pleased with. Mainly by fluke i think. I have created a vector mask for the background that has a gradient fill in it. The vector mask is a rectangle with curved corners. When i did image>trim most of the transparent stuff was trimmed leaving only the corners around the curved corners of the vector mask. ie i have a curved corner rectangle that has extra, square corners of transparent stuff. Hope that makes sense!
I have been advised to export the logo as a tif file but when i do the transparent corners show up white, ruining the effect of the curved edged border. Hope someone can help.
Zac

My Crafting Action Package has a sample action that can add Watermarks to any size image with layers containing transparent areas the actions uses three types of layers. A vector shape later, a text layer and a custom logo layer is place on to the image. The custom Logo layer is a file that contains transparency could be a gif file, Png file or PSD file. I used a PSD file . If you use a PSD file the Custom color logo layer itself can be edited by opening the smart object layer in Photoshop to make changes to it.
http://www.mouseprints.net/old/dpr/JJMacksCraftingActions.zip
Contains:
Action Actions Palette Tips.txt
Action Creation Guidelines.txt
Action Dealing with Image Size.txt
Action Enhanced via Scripted Photoshop Functions.txt
CraftedActions.atn (Sample Action set includes an example Watermarking action)
Sample Actions.txt (Photoshop CraftedActions set saved as a text file. This file has some additional comments I inserted describing how the actions work.)
12 Scripts for actions
Example of the Watermarks layers

Vector vs bitmap, gradient/transparency/filter performance questions on ios

so i understand vector artwork is all done by cpu and drawn every frame and bitmaps can be loaded directly from ram using the gpu but when you have simple objects such a masks and static lines, is it more efficient to use vector graphics for a mask? or should it be a bitmap? what about a line, since it is just a graphic made using a equation rather then wasting resources on a large picture?
also when movieclips have filters on them such as bluring, it seems like it overlays multiple transparent copies of the image onto the selected movieclip. Does the cpu then have to multiply each colour of the transparent images to arive at the final blur? when i cache this as a bitmap and the edges are feathered/transparent does the gpu multiply the transparercies at the edges? or is it still the cpu that handles it?
I also wanted to know how stressing gradients are on the cpu/gpu, as a bitmap i assume it is treated the same as any other image but as a vector is it more costley on the cpu to have it up on the stage than an image?
if there is any tips for graphics on mobile devices i would love to hear them.

so i understand vector artwork is all done by cpu and drawn every frame and bitmaps can be loaded directly from ram using the gpu but when you have simple objects such a masks and static lines, is it more efficient to use vector graphics for a mask? or should it be a bitmap? what about a line, since it is just a graphic made using a equation rather then wasting resources on a large picture?
also when movieclips have filters on them such as bluring, it seems like it overlays multiple transparent copies of the image onto the selected movieclip. Does the cpu then have to multiply each colour of the transparent images to arive at the final blur? when i cache this as a bitmap and the edges are feathered/transparent does the gpu multiply the transparercies at the edges? or is it still the cpu that handles it?
I also wanted to know how stressing gradients are on the cpu/gpu, as a bitmap i assume it is treated the same as any other image but as a vector is it more costley on the cpu to have it up on the stage than an image?
if there is any tips for graphics on mobile devices i would love to hear them.

Vector Mask Path doesn't show for CS6?

When using pen or path related tools, I can still see the the path for the vector mask. But when clicking on the brush tool or any other tool not related to paths, the path for the vector mask disappears. The vector mask is also highlighted in the layers. There's no x mark or anything in vector mask. CS5 didn't have this problem. Is this CS6 function or not?
CS6:
Using Pen or Path related tools
When clicking on Brush tool or others, paths disappear
CS5:
No problem with CS5

Good day!
CS5 didn't have this problem.
This is just the way things are in CS6.
Feel free to look for an existing Feature Request on this over at
http://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family/
or post one if there is none to add your support to yet.
Regards,
Pfaffenbichler

How do I add a gradient to a layer mask to counteract a gradual change in tone from one end of a photo to the other?

I swear I must be going nutso. I have a photo taken with a rather extreme 10mm shift of a shift lens, which consequently has a gradual darkening toward the top of the photo. No problem, says I. I just added a layer mask, clicked on the gradient tool and drew a line (in the appropriate direction) with that tool. What I got was a transparent area at the black end (of the gradient applied to the mask) grading to the darker part of the image showing through at the other end (of the gradient.)
I've done this before, and did the above instinctively, so I thought I was doing it right. When it didn't work, I tried applying the mask and gradient to a duplicate background layer, then flattening the image. Nada.
Jees. Something set wrong? A different blend mode than normal? I even checked with a CS6 guide by Martin Evening, who seems to be able to do exactly what I wanted with no trouble.
Or......maybe I am going nutso :).
Thanks in advance,
BAB

Thanks, that's exactly what I've done.....now I'm at least certain I'm not going nutso . Specifically, I have image 2 stacked above image 1, with the mask for image 2 appearing on the same layer. However, when I apply the gradient, exactly as you have indicated, I do not get image 4. Instead I get image 2 showing through at the top where the mask is white, and then a gradual fade over the black part of the mask to the diamond pattern typical of transparent layer.
Well, I be darned. I just tried it again and now it's working exactly as you described and exactly as I had expected it to. I was using a .psd and wondered if that were the problem, although why I couldn't imagine. So chose a .dng I had just downloaded and the process worked perfectly. Huh? So I went back to the .psd (a test image that I had done to see how much falloff there would be using this shift lens at it's fullest shift) and it worked perfectly also. I have no idea. I promise you I did exactly as you indicated above in all the times I tried to get the falloff subdued. Yes, I did the mask in the right direction, as you've shown above. Yes I used a duplicate layer, and yes I applied the mask to the duplicate layer. I can even get it to work using the mask applied by the Curves layer I used to lighten the duplicate layer. If you can think of anything that may have been set wrong, please let me know, because I think I checked everything including layer properties and those of the gradient tool as well. And I'm certain it will happen again when I'm on some deadline and really need the gradient. You know about Murphy's Laws, right?
Thanks, though. I'll mark this question answered and if I find something I set wrong, on purpose or accidentally, I'll pass it along.
BAB

Create a photo with a linear gradient transparency

Hello,
I cannot figure out how to add a transparent gradient to my photos in either Illustrator or Photoshop. Is there no "clear" setting I can add to a gradient?
Thanks!

Christie,
Steve may be out looking at the Northern Lights.
You may:
1) Select the image (the photo);
2) Click with the Rectangle Tool somewhere on the Artboard and set the same W and H values (you can see them in the Transform panel);
3) Place the rectangle exactly on top of the image (you may use the X and Y values from the Transform panel, or the Align panel centre aligning, or snap it (maybe using Smart Guides), or some other way);
4) In the Toolbox (at the bottom) remove the stroke if any and click the Gradient Tab for the Fill (if the Document Colour Mode is RGB this is enough, otherwise set C=M=Y=K = 100%;
5) In the Transparency panel flyout (upper right arrow) click Opacity Mask>Make, click Invert Mask.

Weird issue with Bridge CC and vector masked TIFF files

For some reason in Bridge CC my vector masked transparent backgrounds in my tiff files are showing. I didnt have this issue with CS6. only way to fix it is for me to flatten my image and resave it as a tiff without the mask. Any option i need to click on?

We don't even know what platform (Mac or Win) or version of the OS you are running.
Also: Are you aware that the latest version of Photoshop is not "CC" but CC2014v14.2.2 ?
BOILERPLATE TEXT:
Note that this is boilerplate text.
If you give complete and detailed information about your setup and the issue at hand,
such as your platform (Mac or Win),
exact versions of your OS, of Photoshop (not just "CS6", but something like CS6v.13.0.6) and of Bridge,
your settings in Photoshop > Preference > Performance
the type of file you were working on,
machine specs, such as total installed RAM, scratch file HDs, total available HD space, video card specs, including total VRAM installed,
what troubleshooting steps you have taken so far,
what error message(s) you receive,
if having issues opening raw files also the exact camera make and model that generated them,
if you're having printing issues, indicate the exact make and model of your printer, paper size, image dimensions in pixels (so many pixels wide by so many pixels high). if going through a RIP, specify that too.
A screen shot of your settings or of the image could be very helpful too,
etc.,
someone may be able to help you (not necessarily this poster, who is not a Windows user).
Please read this FAQ for advice on how to ask your questions correctly for quicker and better answers:
http://forums.adobe.com/thread/419981?tstart=0
Thanks!

Trouble with Photoshop CC vector masks

Ive been trying to fade two images together using vector masks but so far I have been unable to edit my vector mask. Trying to use a gradient to fade an imagine but whenever I try to select the vector mask it selects both the layer and the vector mask and edits the layer instead of the vector mask. No clue how to fix this.

Technically a vector mask is a vector path that cuts out a shape from the underlying layer. So the layer itself would have to be a gradient that contains transparency. Like so:

Mesh transparency for shading problems

Hello,
If anyone has run into this problem and can help ...please!
Using: Illustrator CS2 on Win XP Pro sp3
Experience - minimal (I come from using Xara and Inkscape).
My method of doing this type of art is mostly in Xara. I would creat block color shapes with decals and sticker, etc. and then use transparency gradients to create highlights and shadows. Here I was testing / getting use to the mesh tool and shaped the form of the car with color - rather then trasnparent highlights and shadows (top). But I now have to add stickers and decals to this car and tried to apply a clone of the hood mesh over the red stripes and it created a strang clipping error. You can see in the bottom screen cap that the sides and lower part of the red stripes disappeared, while the top remained untouched. Will I be able to use the mesh tool to create transparent highlights and shadows over the top of blocked coloe and the stickers, or will I have to manually match the shading on each sticker?
Thanks much in advance.

I have used Illustrator mostly for converting files done in Xara and Inkscape to Illustrator for customers who needed an Illustrator file. Xara is my go to for vector, but some jobs it just makes more sense to do it all in Illustrator (because of customers) - so....
Not sure how that will be affected by the changes. Maybe many small companies will jump to Corel - who knows what will happen.
Specifics: - for illustration - Xara lacks a mesh tool - but it's gradient tools crush all other vector programs, and it is super fast to use (once you get the hang of the interface). I am seeing that Illustrator offers more precision in some of it's tools, but it is not as easy to work fast. Inkscape is just the king of bang for you buck (it's rough but very usable for simpler projects - I have used it solo for easier freelance jobs).
I keep meaning to test out Corel. There is even a dark horse product from Serif (Draw Plus), if they add some important key features, could make it the best bang for your buck commercial light weight vector program. There are certainly options. It is sort of ironic that there seems to be more options on PC then Mac, for these creative softwares.
To me it's just about getting jobs done. The particular tool doesn't matter too much.
I should add. As far as vector goes - I started in Aldus Freehand and Illustrator way back, and for work reasons ended up jumping back and forth on occassion. So I never developed a strong tie to any software.

Feature request : color fill vector mask thumbnails in layers panel

I find that the color fill vector mask previews within the layers panel are not as helpful as they were in CS5. Having the vector path along side the color swatch worked better.

You should know that others have requested this, starting with the public beta. I happen to agree with you on this, showing the color and shape separately was more useful. But it must have been difficult for new users to understand or something.
There's a known bug that causes the shape icon to be hidden sometimes behind the little overlay. Adobe is looking into fixing that, and with some luck in an update we'll see the shapes become more visible, but of course this doesn't help with the shape of things like thin lines that you can't see at that scale, and complex coloring (e.g., gradient fills) doesn't show at all.
It would be great if they'd offer an option to display an additional color icon - if not in the Layers panel then in the Properties panel!
Oh, and I suppose it should be pointed out that fill layers with PIxel masks (vs. shapes, which are fill layers with vector masks) still look the old way. I don't know whose idea this was, but it seems a little half-baked.
Unfortunately, Adobe does not have a habit of changing functionality in any significant way after release. I think we're stuck with what we have, save for maybe that bug fix I mentioned.
-Noel

Sharing a vector mask that shapes effects

I want to have multiple effects on a shape defined by a vector mask: two strokes--with different blend modes--and a bevel. Because I need different blend modes, I cannot use the trick of using a two-color gradient for the stroke. Because of the order in which effects are applied, I cannot use inner glow, stroke, and bevel. (I can't get the inner glow to apply correctly.)
I can get the result I want by duplicating my shape layer and applying different effects to each layer, using 0% fill. However, changes to the shape of the vector mask on one layer must then be propagated to the other layers. (Tip: this isn't as bad as it sounds if you alt-drag the vector mask from one to another, replacing the destination with the updated shape.)
I could almost get the result I want by putting the vector mask on a group for multiple layers, except that the opacity of the group doesn't shape the layers within it.
Is there any way you can think of to use a single vector mask that shapes the effects for multiple layers?

Kind of hard to recreate the unseen, but maybe this example will help.
Right clicking on the elayer effect will give you the option to create layers. This will put the effects onto their own layer. Duplicating the stroke layer and changing the blending mode should then be possible like the attached image.

How do I move a pattern layer independent of its vector mask?

I've created a pattern fill layer and assigned a vector mask to it. How do I move the pattern around without affecting the mask? I realize if I want to rotate the pattern I'd need to convert it to a smart object, but if I only need to adjust the pattern location there must be some way to do that without moving the vector mask along with it. A traditional layer shows the vector and raster mask layer with a lock icon, but fill pattern layers are different for some reason. Can someone "fill" me in?

rcraighead wrote:
Yes, I understand that. I am working with pattern layers, not layers filled with a bitmap pattern.
That is not what your showing above in red above your showing a shape layer in CS6 a pattern fill layer with a vector mask is a cs6 shape layer. Even the icon on the layer's content in the layers palette shows its a shape layer. You can edit the vector mask you can not unlink it. For its a cs6 shape layer. As you noted you can first convert pattern fill layer into a smart object layer. It then acts like a normal pixel layer with an associated transform to the canvas size. Your no longer dealing with a pattern fill layer. When you rotate it you will have the same problem with the layers corners areas. CS6 changed shape layers design they have more options then prior versions of Photoshop and prior versions of Photoshop can not handle CS6 shape layers that used cs6 shape options like stroke, line type, and pattern fills.

Problem creating vector mask with Pen Tool

Using Photoshop CS5, Mac OS 10.6.8
I'm trying to create a simple vector mask using the pen tool to create a curved line at the top and bottom of a photo. Here's what I'm doing:
1. Create a new layer and select it.
2. Select Pen tool.
3. Choose "work path" by selecting button at top menu.
4. I draw my shape with the pen tool.
5. Now comes the problem... I can not select this shape, or assign it a color. When I create a clipping mask, it does not recognize my path. When I throw away the layer, the shape is still there in outline only. What am I missing here? I'm familiar with doing this in Illustrator, but I don't understand how it works in PSD.
I need some help, please.
Thanks.

The main thing i use paths for in photoshop is extracting objects from photos.
Other uses include stroking paths with the paint tools. For example, if you had
a powerline to remove, one could trace the line with the pen tool and then stroke
the path with spot healing brush set to content aware fill.
more info on photoshop paths:
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/photoshop/cs/using/WSfd1234e1c4b69f30ea53e41001031ab64-73ada.h tml
MTSTUNER

Gradient Transparency for Vector Mask

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