Odds and Ends

Click here to download the zipped tutorial image file

The image is a PSP file, containing two layers, a plaid (MacDonald) on the lower layer, and lettering on the upper layer. Arial Black, 26. White color

Hide the lower layer, activate the lettering layer. Make a selection on the left side. Click Masks-New-ShowAll, Masks-Edit and Masks-ViewMask. Select the fill tool, White ∓mp; Black, Linear gradient, match=none, gradient direction=270 degrees. Click in the left side to fill.

Select the Mover tool, Right click on the selection and slide it to the right side. Select the Fill tool, Rotate the direction of fill to 90 degrees. Fill the right side.

Remove the Selection.

Note: At this point, you can edit the mask to change it around. For example, use Colors-Adjust-Brightness/Contrast to vary the effects on the lettering. When doing this step, show the lower layer and uncheck Masks-View Mask to see the effect as you do it.

When you have the effect to the point you want, you may do a Masks-Delete, Yes*, Show the lower layer, merge layers if required.

* If you'd prefer to keep the mask active in the image, don't delete it. As an experiment, leave the mask active and on the lettering layer, draw a line under the lettering. What happens and why?

This was a linear fade on both sides, but the linear gradient could have been distorted using the Image-Deformations operations.