How do I apply a simple Gradient Opacity to a Pixel Layer?

[awakenedbyowls]

I'm playing around with the settings in Layer Effects and I can't figure it out!

I'm trying to set one end, or one of the nodes to zero opacity and nothing is changing. All I can get is a fade from one colour to another.

I tried applying the Transparency Tool to the boundary containing the pixel layer I'm working on but that only seems to work on fill.

How would I apply this to the pixel layer in this file? 

Should be a straightforward operation. I always struggle to figure out gradient settings and usually get there by just playing around with them, but I'm hitting a wall with this one! What simple setting or procedure am I missing???

Gradient Opacity.afdesign

[Old Bruce]

Not sure what you are wanting. You mention Opacity and Transparency so I assume you want some on one or both or the other layers. Please see attached, note that the Transparency tool is only good for Curves/vector layers, not Pixel layers. That is why I used a Mask and a gradient on the Mask for the Pixel layer. To turn off the Transparency tool you have to choose None from the menu.

Gradient Opacity bruce.afdesign

[awakenedbyowls]

So I have to apply a mask to the pixel layer - then what? Do I use the effects panel or the transparency tool - on the mask layer?

I never use masks - I should probably start using masks but I'm afraid they always just confuse the hell out of me.

I can do this using masks - but still the question remains as to why I can't seem to achieve this using the Gradient Overlay in Effects. Surely there is a simple way to do it there?

[Old Bruce]

3 minutes ago, awakenedbyowls said:

So I have to apply a mask to the pixel layer - then what? Do I use the effects panel or the transparency tool - on the mask layer?

Gradient tool on the Mask. Black to white.

[awakenedbyowls]

8 minutes ago, Old Bruce said:

Gradient tool on the Mask. Black to white.

Trying that. Not working. What am I not doing right?

[walt.farrell]

8 minutes ago, awakenedbyowls said:

Trying that. Not working. What am I not doing right?

Note that Old Bruce said to use the Gradient Tool, not to use a Gradient Overlay Layer Effect. (But if you're in Designer, that will be the Fill Tool.)

[awakenedbyowls]

15 minutes ago, walt.farrell said:

Note that Old Bruce said to use the Gradient Tool, not to use a Gradient Overlay Layer Effect. (But if you're in Designer, that will be the Fill Tool.)

OK - you mean the Fill Tool? Now I know what the Fill Tool is for - Gradients 👍

Think I got this now ta

[walt.farrell]

34 minutes ago, awakenedbyowls said:

Now I know what the Fill Tool is for - Gradients

Gradients are but one of its functions.

[R C-R]

2 hours ago, walt.farrell said:

Gradients are but one of its functions.

See the AD Fill Tool help topic for a little more about that. Note that in addition to solid & several types of gradients, you can also add bitmap fills, which are raster image file types like JPEGS & PNGs that can be scaled or rotated. For pixel layers like with gradients they will completely replace the original content & are 'baked into' the layer so they cannot be changed later.

[awakenedbyowls]

Cheers. I've also learned two other really cool digital painting techniques this week. Wahay.