Gradient masks for fading images with background

[fluxxus]

There are a few threads already that show how to fade images with background, but all of them are like 4-5 years old. Since I am a newbie to Affinity Photo(and Designer), I am wondering if maybe a new tool/technique exists that would make the whole process easier and straightforward.

Here is a short youtube video showing how it is done in PS. Basically just adding a layer mask, selecting gradient preset called "Foreground to Transparent" and applying the gradient.

How to best replicate this process in Affinity Photo, or Designer if maybe it has some options not available in Photo.

Thanks

 

[MEB]

Hi @fluxxus,
See the clip below: 

[telemax]

This is a similar topic. An example on Designer.

---
Tip: the transparency tool can be applied to a group.
Group, Transparency, Group, Transparency, etc... In this way, you can apply many transparency effects, one after the other.
 

[fluxxus]

Thanks for the quick reply @MEB! That was helpful, I just have one more question. 

How to add multiple gradients/fades on the same image?

I guess I am missing something obvious, but if I start drawing the gradient in a different position then the initial one is cancelled and I just have this current one I am drawing. 

@telemaxThx, I will have a look at that thread. I missed that one when searching the forum before.

Edited February 8, 2021 by fluxxus

[telemax]

Multiple transparencies:

Еach applied transparency is non-destructible, and can be edited.
To apply the Transparency Tool to a raster layer, group it (Ctrl+G).

[fluxxus]

@telemax Thanks for the tip with grouping. I do have an issue with multiple grouping, applying transparency tool on the second group just starts over. 

First video is grouping in Designer and second video is basically what I would like to recreate in Photo/Designer. 

Edited February 8, 2021 by fluxxus

[telemax]

Hmmm, something's not working right. It shouldn't be like this.
This works correctly on Windows. Maybe this is a bug on Mac?

[fluxxus]

I saw that videos aren't playing but I needed to go out.

Yes, I am using a Mac. Adding video is simple as uploading it and clicking insert into post, right?

No other action needed?

[telemax]

4 minutes ago, fluxxus said:

Adding video is simple as uploading it and clicking insert into post, right?

No other action needed?

Yes, correct.

[fluxxus]

Here are both videos uploaded correctly. I messed something when optimising.

[telemax]

I watched the video carefully. Everything works correctly, on Mac and Windows.
You can't create a gradient the same way as in Photoshop (as in your example).

[fluxxus]

Ok, thanks for the clarification.

Guess the only way is to export and re-open a few times to edit the same image with multiple gradients.

[loukash]

2 hours ago, fluxxus said:

Guess the only way is to export and re-open a few times to edit the same image with multiple gradients.

You can add multiple stacked masks to a pixel layer, each with a different gradient.

[Move Along People]

-

[fluxxus]

@haakooThanks for this. A bit more time needed opposed to PS, but it gets the job done perfectly!

[telemax]

@haakoo Outstanding trick! Multiple non destructive gradient mask! 👍

Rectangle > Full black gradient > One point transparent > Eras blending mode

Btw, this also applicable to the Fill Layer.