Feathered Selection Blur

[siouxdax]

Hello all:

I'm working on a photo that I need to be blurred along the top of the image, but the only way I know to apply a blur to just a portion of the image is to select a portion of the image, then apply the blur to that selection. This leaves an obvious line showing where the blur ends. How can I "feather" this edge so that the blur is gradual and not so hard? I hope I'm making myself clear. Any help is very much appreciated!

[Sarkut]

siouxdax,

You can try putting a blurred duplicate layer beneath your image

then do a bit of a transparent linear gradient down from the top

of the non blurry original.

[siouxdax]

Sarkut:

Attached is an example. I want to soften/feather the edge where the blurring ends so that it doesn't look so harsh. Am I still making sense?

[Sarkut]

Sure. What I suggested will give a gradual change between

blurred and non-blurred.

If you want the change between the two to be more rapid and distinct,

then put the blurred duplicate a layer below the original, and cut the top

section of the unblurred top layer away with rectangular select and Delete key.

Then do a reflected transparent gradient at the cut edge.

I'll post an example in a few minutes.

[Sarkut]

Okay. This shows the difference between the two ways.

See whether one of them looks suitable.

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/623/ ... ents01.jpg

=========================================

Another method that might work well is Alpha Mask.

[siouxdax]

Okay. This shows the difference between the two ways.

See whether one of them looks suitable.

=========================================

Another method that might work well is Alpha Mask.

Both are suitable, I just don't know how to use gradients as masks. Alpha Mask I've never heard of. Is there some sort of tutorial that covers masks?

BTW, my apologies for the delay in replying.

[Sarkut]

For the gradients just use the standard gradient tool set to

Transparency Mode in the toolbar.

http://www.getpaint.net/doc/latest/en/GradientTool.html

[siouxdax]

For the gradients just use the standard gradient tool set to

Transparency Mode in the toolbar.

http://www.getpaint.net/doc/latest/en/GradientTool.html

Would I use this same method to use blur/focus effects?

[Sarkut]

If I understand correctly what you mean by that, then, yes.

[siouxdax]

I feel like I'm being difficult. I just don't understand how to use these gradients to apply effects to an image. I've played around but have found no rhyme or reason to it. I'm a quick learner, but this really has me stumped. What's frustrating is that I know that this is an elementary feature of Paint.NET...

So are there any tutorials for COMPLETE idiots? LOL

[Sarkut]

If you have figured out how to set the gradient tool to

Transparency Mode, then try it out on a single layer image.

Try it using the left mouse button and then with the right

button just to see how it works in general. (Click and drag)

Recognize that any transparency that is created will allow an

image on a lower layer to show through.

A blurred image for example.

[siouxdax]

If you have figured out how to set the gradient tool to

Transparency Mode, then try it out on a single layer image.

Try it using the left mouse button and the with the right

button just to see how it works in general. (Click and drag)

Recognize that any transparency that is created will allow an

image on a lower layer to show through.

A blurred image for example.

Okay, I think you worded it so that it penetrated my thick skull. Thank you so much for your patience. It is much appreciated!

[Sarkut]

Glad I could help.