Feathering a mask in Photoshop creates a soft transition between the masked and unmasked areas. While both vector masks and pixel masks can be feathered, the methods and the resulting effect differ. The technique described in the provided reference using a gradient tool is typically applied to pixel masks, not vector masks directly.
Here's how to feather both types of masks and how the reference applies:
Feathering a Pixel Mask (Using a Gradient Tool)
Pixel masks use shades of gray to control transparency: white is fully opaque, black is fully transparent, and gray is semi-transparent. This allows for gradual transitions like feathering.
The reference describes using the Gradient Tool (G) on a mask to create a feathered edge. This is the standard way to apply a gradient feather to a pixel mask.
Steps to Feather a Pixel Mask with a Gradient:
- Ensure your layer has a pixel mask (or add one by clicking the "Add Layer Mask" icon in the Layers panel).
- Click directly on the mask thumbnail in the Layers panel to make it active (you'll see a border around it).
- Select the Gradient Tool (G) from the toolbar.
- Set your foreground color to Black and your background color to White (press D then X). This creates a black-to-white gradient by default.
- Choose a gradient type in the Options bar (e.g., Linear Gradient).
- Apply the gradient: As mentioned in the reference, you "click just inside the edge here and drag it's going to create a gradient." You can "hold shift to keep it perpendicular like straight up and down". Dragging from white towards black within the mask area creates a transition from opaque to transparent. The length of your drag determines the width of the feather. The reference advises to "let go before it reaches my subject just" to control the feathering area.
This technique creates a gradient of transparency across the mask, resulting in a feathered edge that varies along the direction of the gradient drag.
Feathering a Vector Mask (Using the Properties Panel)
Vector masks are based on vector paths. They are resolution-independent and create sharp edges by default, defining areas as either fully visible or fully hidden. True gradient feathering like on a pixel mask isn't possible directly on a vector path. However, you can soften the edge of the path.
Steps to Feather a Vector Mask Edge:
- Ensure your layer has a vector mask (or add one by clicking the "Add Layer Mask" icon while a path is active, or Alt/Option-clicking the "Add Layer Mask" icon).
- Click directly on the mask thumbnail (which looks like a vector path) in the Layers panel to make it active.
- Open the Properties panel (Window > Properties).
- In the Properties panel for the Vector Mask, you will find a Feather slider.
- Increase the Feather value.
This applies a uniform softening effect along the entire edge of the vector path. The edge becomes semi-transparent over the distance specified by the feather radius, but it's consistent around the path, unlike a gradient feather which can vary.
Comparing Vector vs. Pixel Mask Feathering
Understanding the difference is key:
| Feature | Pixel Mask Feathering (Gradient) | Vector Mask Feathering (Properties) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Applying gradients, brushes, filters | Adjusting the Feather slider in Properties |
| Result | Gradual, potentially variable transparency | Uniformly softened edge around the path |
| Control | Directional, can be complex | Single value applied equally to whole path |
| Edge Type | Raster (can become pixelated if scaled) | Vector (resolution-independent, stays sharp) |
| Reference | Describes this method (using Gradient Tool) | Not described in the provided reference snippet |
Applying the Gradient Method to a Vector Mask (Indirectly)
If you specifically need a gradient feather effect as described in the reference but started with a vector mask, you have a couple of options:
- Convert to Pixel Mask: You can right-click the vector mask thumbnail and choose "Rasterize Vector Mask". This converts it to a pixel mask, allowing you to then apply gradient feathering as described above. However, you lose the benefits of a vector mask (resolution independence, easy path editing).
- Combine Masks: You can keep your vector mask for the sharp initial cut and add a separate pixel mask to the same layer. Apply your gradient feathering to the pixel mask. Photoshop will combine the effects of both masks.
In summary, while the provided reference shows a common method for feathering pixel masks using a gradient, feathering a vector mask typically involves adjusting the Feather slider in the Properties panel, which creates a uniform soft edge along the vector path.
