Glow affect

[lesleindotcom]

There is a template out there and they have a cool glow effect as the background.

http://images.templatemonster.com/sc...400/9473-b.jpg

How could I do something like that in Fireworks or Photoshop?

[sypher]

in fireworks:
Effect > Glow
And mess with the settings.

[Legacy_Staff]

I'm not sure they used a "Glow" effect, looking at that image.

Glow will do something similar, but it's constrained by the proportions of the image you're applying it to.

The example you've highlited (heheh) looks as though it's simply a circular gradient (white to grey, or white to clear) which has been positioned on a layer beneath the main layer (maybe the background layer, although this would prevent it's flexibility later), possibly had the opacity dropped, and then the size has been adjusted accordingly.

Either way it's a very simple way to achieve a nice effect.

[lesleindotcom]

So for a graphic novice like myself how would I go about doing this?

[Legacy_Staff]

I'm hoping that you have PhotoShop so what follows will make sense.
I would do it this way (this may not be the same as the method used but you'll see why in a minute).

Open a new file in PhotoShop.
Leave settings as default.
A new layer will open automatically.

Click on the button in the Layers palette to open another new layer ("Layer 2") and fill it with WHITE < alt + del while that layer is 'active'>.

In the Layers palette, click the button to add a Layer Mask. Where it previously said "Layer 2", there will now be a new icon denoting a layer mask has been added to this layer. There will be a blue frame around this box to show that the mask is active, rather than the layer itself.

Select the Gradient tool < G >. You will need to ensure it is the Gradient tool and not the Paint Bucket tool.

Go to the Gradient options (top toolbar), select the Radial Gradient and then go to the Gradient Picker. Click on the little arrow and select "Foreground to Background". Click and drag to the outside of your stage.

This will apply a circular pattern which starts out white in the centre and goes to black at the edge. HOWEVER, this is a mask! Black and white do not show up in a mask. White reveals whatever is beneath it (in this case white), while black hides it. So, what you see is a white circle in the centre which fades out as it expands.

Fill Layer 1 with GREY and you will be able to see the highlite effect better.

Then load whatever you want the glow to be behind on to a new layer ABOVE Layer 2, adjust the opacity of Layer 2 as required and, BINGO!



[edit: The reason for doing it this way is so you can manipulate Layer 2. You can adjust the size and the opacity to suit whatever is placed above it until you're happy with the result. If you do it on the background layer it's fixed and, if you get it wrong, you have to start over.]

[lesleindotcom]

Thanks a lot RedSkwirrell for going into all that detail. I am hoping to put this use tomorrow after the I get some sleep. Thanks again

[Legacy_Staff]

NP.
Just paying my dues to everyone who helped me start out.
The way the author has lifted the girl's arm and wing out of the frame also helps the glow effect to work on a 3D level as well.
Would be interested in seeing the result when you've finished (if you're using it on a published web page).

[bruno89]

on my site i just used pain but its kind of "s***"

www.freewebs.com/bruno_89

is that wat u want ?

[Legacy_Staff]

Looks just like a 'GLOW' effect to me, highlighting the edges of your main panel.
Btw the name of your site, "www.Bruno89.tk" appears to have been already registered and owned by a company called "Taloha Inc" in the U.S.

[lesleindotcom]

I did it Red but the radial does not come out far enough for it not to be covered up by the wrapper. My layout is 750 by 500 and the wrapper is 670 and the radial glow underneath just does not expand that far.

[lesleindotcom]

Also when (and if) I finish would I have to have a background that is huge I am guessing?

[Legacy_Staff]

Suggestion...., start with a larger stage.


No. You don't need to finish with a large image. Unless you can't reduce the original.

Just match the two up to how you like them, then reduce the total image size ("image/image size" then reduce the size).

[sypher]

i like your cookies avatar lol. original

[lesleindotcom]

Working on implementing your knowledge and will show you what I have as soon as I am happy with it, LOL. Thanks

[bruno89]

oh ok then...

and by the way i no the www.bruno89.tk bits rong i cacled the subscription PLUS its a VERY old site i made it wen i was like 14 so its like 3 years old lol i just used it as an example