How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP

You can use this method for advertisements, announcements, or wherever you want to add some text that stands out with an image. Read on to learn how. * Screenshots are of GIMP 2.8 Get the image that you want to use. This one will use a...
Method 1 of 2:

Prepare the Layers

  1. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 1How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 1
    Get the image that you want to use. This one will use a picture of a pomeranian. Since you are going to be adding some type of blurb, be sure that there is room for it.
  2. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 2How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 2
    Open the image in GIMP.
  3. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 3How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 3
    Create a duplicate of the image by pressing CTRL + D and then close the original file.
  4. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 4How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 4
    Add a layer using the layer dialog box. It doesn't matter which color it is, because you will be filling it.
  5. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 5How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 5
    Decide on the color that you want the image to fade into. Use the bucket fill tool to fill the empty layer with it. A light blue will be used here.
  6. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 6How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 6
    Move the layer below the image that you will be fading.
Method 2 of 2:

Create the Layer Mask

  1. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 7How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 7
    Right click on your image in the toolbox and select "Add new layer". When the dialog box appears, select White (Full opacity). You will be making a layer mask.
  2. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 8How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 8
    Press the D key. This will reset your foreground and background colors to black and white.
  3. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 9How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 9
    Click on the Blend icon to open the Blend dialog box at the bottom of the tool bar. Be sure the options are what you see in the screenshot.
  4. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 10How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 10
    Hold down the CTRL key and (for this image), start the process by clicking on the very left of the image. Move left to the point where you want your fade to start.
    1. The first point is where the image will be 100% transparent. The end point is where the fade begins (as mentioned before).
  5. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 11How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 11
    If you don't like the look of the layer mask fade, press CTRL + Z to undo.
  6. How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 12How to Fade an Image for an Advertisement Using GIMP Picture 12
    Keep doing this until you are happy with the fade. Here is the final image.
5 ★ | 2 Vote