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Posted on 11/06/11 10:33:08 AM |
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chris berry
Overhead Overlord Posts: 724 Reply  |
Feathering a vector mask...
...does anybody know how? Chris |
Posted on 11/06/11 12:47:58 PM |
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Nick Curtain
Model Master Posts: 1768 Reply  |
Re: Feathering a vector mask...
Hi Chris Unless anyone knows better, I believe you have to rasterize the layer first. I tried it on a shape layer mask and that's what PS told me. So that you don't lose the vector, duplicate the layer and hide the original. Rasterise the layer, which will apply the mask. Ctrl click on the layer thumbnail to load the content as a selection and then add a layer mask. You can then feather / blur the mask and, of course, you still have the original if anything should go wrong. You can apply a levels adjustment to the mask to loosen or tighten the feather. Nick |
Posted on 13/06/11 07:43:35 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7025 Reply  |
Re: Feathering a vector mask...
If you're using Photoshop CS5, you can feather a vector mask. Create it as usual, then use the Masks panel to add the feathering.  |
Posted on 13/06/11 08:36:42 AM |
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Nick Curtain
Model Master Posts: 1768 Reply |
Re: Feathering a vector mask...
Ah excellent - thanks Steve. |
Posted on 13/06/11 09:06:38 AM |
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chris berry
Overhead Overlord Posts: 724 Reply |
Re: Feathering a vector mask...
That would explain it - I'm on CS3. So why use a vector instead of a selection? |
Posted on 13/06/11 09:53:03 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7025 Reply |
Re: Feathering a vector mask...
Vector masks have editable paths, which makes it easier to adjust them in certain circumstances. If you're creating a mask from a Shape, say, such as a star, it means you can resize the star as you like without losing any quality. But it also means you can effectively have two masks on the same layer, which can be really useful. |
Posted on 13/06/11 7:38:30 PM |
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Nick Curtain
Model Master Posts: 1768 Reply |
Re: Feathering a vector mask...
I did not realise the mask facility extended to vectors, I use them so rarely. Sorry for the useless advice. Nick |
Posted on 13/06/11 8:43:22 PM |
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GKB
Magical Montagist Posts: 4002 Reply  |
Re: Feathering a vector mask...
Chris, If you have Illustrator CS2 or later you can feather a vector shape. Just select the vector then Effect>Blur>Gaussian Blur. You can also do Radial and Smart Blur. Gordon _________________ Only one shopping day left until tomorrow! |