Fade an Image in Photoshop with Gradient Masks
Fading an image seamlessly is easiest with gradient masks. You’ll add a mask to the top layer, apply a foreground‑to‑background gradient, and fine‑tune the blend. For multi‑direction fades, nest groups and add additional masks; switch to radial gradients for circular blends.
Step-by-step instructions
Prepare layers
Place your background on the bottom layer and the image to fade on a layer above it.
Select the top (foreground) layer.
Create a layer mask and set gradient basics
Click the Add Layer Mask icon on the top layer.
Press D to reset colors to default (black/white).
Select the Gradient Tool (G).
In the Options bar, choose Gradient (not Classic Gradient), then Basics → Foreground to Background.
Set Type to Linear, Mode to Normal, Opacity 100%.
Apply a linear fade
Ensure the layer mask thumbnail is selected.
Click-and-drag across the image in the direction you want to fade (black hides, white reveals).
Increase drag distance for a gradual blend; shorten it for a tighter transition.
Drag the on-canvas midpoint diamond to adjust the blend’s balance if visible.
Fade into a solid color (optional)
Create a new layer below the top image.
Fill it with white (Ctrl/Cmd+Delete if white is Background color) or Edit → Fill → White.
The mask-driven fade will blend the image into this solid layer.
Add a second fade from another side with groups
Select the top layer and group it (Ctrl/Cmd+G).
Add a layer mask to the group.
With the Gradient Tool, drag from the top (or another edge) to create an additional fade.
For more sides, select the group, press Ctrl/Cmd+G to nest another group, add a mask, and apply another directional gradient.
Create a circular fade with a radial gradient
Select the existing layer or group mask you want to edit.
In the Gradient Tool options, switch to Radial.
Drag from the center outward to create a circular fade.
If the fade is inverted, check Reverse in the Options bar.
Adjust the midpoint diamond to refine the transition.
Keep edits flexible
Use Foreground to Background gradients on masks so you can re-drag and adjust any time.
Nest groups so each side’s fade remains independently editable.
