This guide explains how to blend one image on top of another with Adobe Photoshop. You can achieve this effect by adjusting the opacity of the upper image or by using the gradient tool.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Adding Images as Layers
Step 1. Open Photoshop
Double-click on the program icon that features the letters "Ps" in blue on a square background.
Step 2. Click on File
You'll see this button in the upper left corner of the Photoshop (Windows) or screen (Mac) window. Press it and a drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3. Select Script
This is one of the last items on the menu you just opened. Press on it and another menu will appear.
Step 4. Click Upload File to Stack…
Look for this item among the last of the menu that just appeared. Select it and a window will open.
Step 5. Click Browse…
You will see this option on the right side of the window. Clicking on it will open a new window where you can select the image to blend.
Step 6. Select the two images
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) or ⌘ Command (Mac) and click on both images you want to use.
Step 7. Click Open
You will see this button in the lower right corner of the window. You should see the image names appear in the center.
Step 8. Click OK in the upper left corner of the window
Photoshop will open both images as separate layers. When finished, you can continue by changing the opacity of the image or modifying its gradient.
Part 2 of 3: Blending with Opacity
Step 1. Move the image to be faded to the top layer
In the "Levels" box, on the right side of the Photoshop window, click on the desired image and drag it to the top row.
Step 2. Select the image
Before continuing, click on the image located higher up in the "Levels" box to make sure it is selected.
Step 3. Click on the "Opacity" field
You will see this button at the bottom of the "Levels" section. Press it and a drop-down menu will open.
Step 4. Reduce the opacity
In the menu that just opened, drag the selector to the left to decrease the opacity of the image above the other. As you move the switch, you should see the figure below appear.
You can also change the percentage value of the opacity in the related text field. 100% is completely opaque and 0% is completely transparent
Step 5. Check the outcome of the change
If you are happy with the opacity settings of the upper image, you are done with the blending operation.
Try adjusting the opacity gradually, so you can experiment and see what the project looks like with more (or less) opacity before saving it
Part 3 of 3: Blending with the Gradient Tool
Step 1. Move the image you want to blend to the top layer
In the "Levels" box, on the right side of the Photoshop window, click on the desired image and drag it to the top row.
Step 2. Select the image
Before continuing, click on the image located higher up in the "Levels" box to make sure it is selected.
Step 3. Add a mask
Click on the "Layer Mask" button: it represents a rectangle that has a sphere inside it and is located in the lower part of the "Layers" section.
Step 4. Select the Gradient tool
Click on the square "Gradient" button in the left toolbar.
You can also simply press the Q key
Step 5. Press the "Black to Transparent" button
In the "Presets" window, click on the black and white rectangle (white in the lower right corner, black in the upper left corner) to select it as the gradient style.
Step 6. Click OK
It is located in the upper left corner of the Gradient window.
Step 7. Apply the gradient to the image in the top layer
Double check that you have selected the layer mask before applying the gradient, then follow these steps:
-
Click on the point in the image where the gradient effect should begin and drag from there;
Hold down Shift to move the mouse pointer along a straight line;
- Release the pointer at the point where the gradient effect should end;
- If necessary, repeat the operation for the parts of the image not yet blended.
Step 8. Check the blending effect
After releasing the mouse button, the effect will be shown on the image.
