How do you apply a mask to fade a subject into the background using gradient masking?

How do you apply a mask to fade a subject into the background using gradient masking?

• A. Add a layer mask to the background; use Gradient Tool on the mask from white to black to fade
• B. Add a layer mask to the subject; use Brush Tool with white color to fade
• C. Add a layer mask to the subject; select Gradient Tool and drag on the mask from opaque to transparent to fade the subject into background; white reveals, black hides
• D. Add a gradient fill layer above the subject

Answer: (C)

Fading a subject into the background with gradient masking relies on using a layer mask to control transparency on the subject’s layer. On a mask, white means the subject is fully visible, black hides it, and gray creates partial transparency. By applying a gradient to the subject’s mask and dragging from opaque (white) to transparent (black), you establish a smooth transition where the subject gradually disappears into the background. This non-destructive approach lets you tweak the fade simply by reworking the gradient’s direction, length, or midpoint. Doing the fade on the background mask would dim the background instead of the subject, which isn’t what you want. Painting with white on the subject’s mask would reveal more of the subject rather than fade it. A gradient fill layer above the subject isn’t masking the subject itself and doesn’t create the same edge-to-background blend.

Fading a subject into the background with gradient masking relies on using a layer mask to control transparency on the subject’s layer. On a mask, white means the subject is fully visible, black hides it, and gray creates partial transparency. By applying a gradient to the subject’s mask and dragging from opaque (white) to transparent (black), you establish a smooth transition where the subject gradually disappears into the background. This non-destructive approach lets you tweak the fade simply by reworking the gradient’s direction, length, or midpoint.

Doing the fade on the background mask would dim the background instead of the subject, which isn’t what you want. Painting with white on the subject’s mask would reveal more of the subject rather than fade it. A gradient fill layer above the subject isn’t masking the subject itself and doesn’t create the same edge-to-background blend.