Using a Radial Mask is a quick and easy way to highlight the sun, a face, or anything else in your photo. You can use the Radial Mask tool to create an ellipse or circle that makes it easy to create a gradual blend between two states.
Here’s how to use the Radial Mask tool:
- Make an adjustment to your image in a tool in the Edit panel (such as the Dramatic tool).
- Click on the Edit Mask icon to create a tool mask.
- Select the Radial Mask option from the drop-down menu.
- Choose from the Standard or Inverted Radial Mask to affect your image.
- By default, the Radial Gradient mask that is created will “protect” the center of the circle/oval and any enhancements will be applied outside of the inner circle.
- The Inverted Gradient will invert the mask so the effects are applied to the inner circle.
- Click and drag to create a circular mask. You will see a translucent red overlay indicating the affected areas
- If needed, go to the mask controls (three-dot icon) and choose Show Mask so you can see the gradient.
- The same controls can be used Invert or Clear the gradient if needed
- The Radial Mask tool offers simple controls to refine the gradient:
- Drag the middle of the gradient (the dot) with the Hand tool to place its center.
- Click and drag on the inside circle to adjust its radius, which affects the size of the gradient.
- Click and drag the outside circle to adjust its radius and affect the feathering of the gradient.
- Drag a control point on the outside circle to adjust the aspect ratio and create an ellipse.
- Click on the outer circle to rotate the gradient mask (you’ll see arrows indicating rotation).
- You can also adjust properties like Blending modes and Opacity to change the mask’s impact on the image.
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