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How Do I Feather Mask in Photoshop?

Last updated on September 23, 2022 @ 11:56 pm

Feathering is a great way to blend two images together, or to make an image look softer. In Photoshop, there are two main ways to feather: using a layer mask, or using a selection.

Layer masks are the more versatile of the two methods, as they can be adjusted after they’ve been applied. To create a layer mask, first make a selection of the area you want to feather.

Then, click the “Add Layer Mask” icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. A white box will appear next to the layer thumbnail – this is your layer mask.

To feather the layer mask, go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Enter a radius that’s appropriate for your image – a good rule of thumb is to enter a value that’s half the size of your selection. For example, if you’re feathered edge is 10 pixels wide, you would enter a radius of 5 pixels.

PRO TIP: When using the feather mask tool in Photoshop, be careful not to overdo it or you may end up with a halo effect around your subject.

If you’re not happy with the amount of feathering, you can always adjust it by going back to the Gaussian Blur filter and changing the radius. You can also use other filters, such as the Motion Blur or Radial Blur filters, to create different effects.

The other way to feather in Photoshop is by using a selection. To create a feathered selection, first make your selection as usual.

Then go to Select > Modify > Feather. Enter a radius that’s appropriate for your image.

Unlike layer masks, selections cannot be adjusted after they’ve been created. So if you’re not happy with the amount of feathering, you’ll have to start over from scratch.

Conclusion: Both methods for feathering in Photoshop have their advantages and disadvantages. Layer masks are more versatile, but selections are quicker and easier to create. Ultimately, it’s up to you which method you use – experiment and see what works best for your particular image.

Drew Clemente

Drew Clemente

Devops & Sysadmin engineer. I basically build infrastructure online.