How to make an image gradient transparent in photoshop

Gradient adds a soft touch to images, and you can use it to create a fading effect. I love using a gradient to blend in some color to my image to give it a special effect. This simple trick can give a design an upgrade and today you’ll learn how! 

In this tutorial, I’ll show you the two easiest ways to make a transparent gradient in Photoshop and some quick tips on how to edit a gradient. 

You can use the Gradient Tool to directly add a gradient to your image or play with the layer mask to create a transparent gradient effect in Photoshop. 

Let’s take a look at a quick example of how to add a transparent gradient to this sunset image.

Table of Contents

• 2 Quick Methods to Make a Transparent Gradient in Photoshop
  • Method 1: Gradient Tool 
  • Method 2: Layer Mask 
• Conclusion

There are several ways to add a transparent gradient to your image in Photoshop, and the two methods below are the quickest and easiest. 

Note: Screenshots are taken from Adobe Photoshop CC 2021 Mac version. Windows or other versions might look slightly different. 

Method 1: Gradient Tool 

As I briefly mentioned earlier, you can directly add a gradient on top of your image layer to create a transparent gradient effect using the Gradient Tool. 

Step 1: Open your image in Photoshop. 

Step 2: Select a color using the color picker. 

Step 3: Select the Gradient Tool (M), go to the top menu and click on the Gradient Editor. 

From the gradient editor, you can choose the presets, gradient type, smoothness, and move the slider to change how you want the gradient to look. 

Tips: Lower the Opacity at the top menu if you want to create a softer and more natural gradient.

Step 4: Click on the image and drag to the direction you want the gradient to appear. For example, I’m going to click on the edge of the photo and drag it towards the center. 

See, I only applied a transparent gradient to the bottom area. 

Tips: you can also create a gradient layer but it doesn’t give you the flexibility to select the gradient area. 

Note: when you add a gradient layer, it applies the gradient to the whole image. 

Method 2: Layer Mask 

This method allows you to blend your image into a solid color background. 

Step 1: Open your image in Photoshop. 

Step 2: Create a new Solid Color layer and choose a color. For example, I chose a dark gray. 

Note: The solid color is the transparent gradient that’ll show on your image.

Step 3: Select the new layer and drag it under the image. So the sunset image layer is above the color background layer. (As shown in the screenshot below in Step 4). 

Step 4: Select the image layer and add a layer mask. 

Step 5: Select the Gradient Tool and edit in the Gradient Editor if needed. 

Step 6: Click and drag the area you want the transparent gradient effect on the layer mask. Again, I click on the bottom of the image and drag toward the center. 

Note: you must add the gradient on the layer mask. 

Conclusion

The key to making a nice natural transparent gradient is by adjusting the opacity and gradient direction (style). When the gradient tone is set, you can use either of the methods above (or combine both methods) to quickly add a transparent gradient to your beautiful image.

June is an experienced graphic designer specializing in brand design. Photoshop is the essential tool that she uses every day along with other Adobe programs for her creative work.

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