Problem Adding Usable Layer Mask

I keep trying to add a reveal-all layer mask to an image,(with another image on a layer below) but can't seem to produce a mask that I can paint on to reveal the image below. When I click the add mask icon or go to layer add a mask, I see a layer mask icon next to the image, but it is still a rectangle with a white circle in it, not an all white framed rectangle. And painting on the original image produces no effect at all on the mask. Every video tutorial I watch, adding the mask produces an all-white mask icon in the layers panel and selecting that allows for easy painting to hide or reveal. I just can't figure out what's going on and it's driving me nuts, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Jow333!
I've put together this little map that might help you better understand layer masks!
1. Add a layer mask to the layer you want to mask out and reveal the background beneath.
2. Make sure that the Mask is selected
3. Grab the Paint Brush tool
4. Choose the color Black
Then you should be able to paint right onto the layer!
Hope this helps!
Julia

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If the getcapabilities result is:
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Problem with layer masks ... help

Ok. I have my original image. I've added a layer to make it black and white. Then added a layer mask to that because I want to make a section of it color. I'm using the brush tool to do so but having no luck. Yes I am on the correct layer and correct mask. I've done this several times before, but for some reason, today its not working. help

Good day!
Could you please post a screenshot with the pertinent Panels visible?
What are Foreground- and Background Color?
What are the Tool’s Blend Mode, Opacity and Flow?
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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?

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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.
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Hey,
I use both Gimp and Photoshop (CS5) and swap between the two when designing.
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Welcome to the forum.
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You haven't added a Hue/Saturation layer that's got Saturation turned all the way down, by chance?
It might be helpful if you'd capture a screen grab and post it here, showing your layers and channels panels. With a look at how things are organized knowledgeable folks here should be able to help or at least ask more direct questions.
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Hi,
I have a image in a layer mask with an gradient on a 30c0m0y100k background and at the gradient from image to background I always get a white "shine". which NOT appears when the background is the standard photoshop-black definition in all colors.
please have look also here (where the problem is): http://adobe.ly/1yXBCix
and here where it looks like I want to have it (where I switched the layer mode of the mask to multiply and that causes that my background is not anymore 30c0m0y100k): http://adobe.ly/1HFZfC4
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Yes, just save it and post it here using the little camera icon:

Hello. Layer masks aren't working with Photoshop CC... The brushes gave out, and now the gradients too. Anyone else have this problem?

Hello. Layer masks aren't working with Photoshop CC... The brushes gave out, and now the gradients too. Anyone else have this problem?
Will someone from Adobe please answer if this is a bug.. as I've seen other users post the same issue.
thanks!

I'm experiencing the same issue too. I can't see to use the brush in my clipping mask the same way. It works for a moment, then several minutes in to production it ends up crashing.
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Things to double check:
Look in at your options bar and make sure your gradient tool is set to normal blend mode in the options bar. Also check that it is set to 100% opacity.
Make sure your gradient is black and white or black to transparent...not white to transparent.
Since reset preferences did not work, I'm thinking it might be user error. If neither of the above is the problem, post a screen grab of your application workspace. Someone may see a setting that is creating an issue. Be sure to have the gradient tool selected so we can see the options bar and tool box. Include your open layers palette in your screen shot also.
Making a screen grab...
Either use Vista's snip tool to capture your workspace or use your keyboard's print screen button. If you use the print screen, go to File<New Document...from clipboard after pressing your keyboard's print screen button. Next, Edit<Paste or hit ctrl + V to paste your clipboard image into the open document. Save the image using File<Save For Web and save as a jpg on your desktop to make it easy to find. Upload the image to the forum by using the camera icon in the post box.

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Hi ccyphoto07, welcome to the forum.
From what you've written, I assume you're sure you have the mask targeted in the Layers panel when painting on it...
Any chance your brush is set to something like Color instead of Normal blending?
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-Noel
Edit: R_Kelly is too quick for me!

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Check you Brush blending mode setting in the tools option bar.

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