Photoshop Blends Color to Grayscale

What is the quickest way to achieve this? Multiple layers? Layer masks?

Dave from Sandston, VA USA, using Photoshop 7 with XP, writes in with:

[Quote:] I want to take a photo, remove the color so that it's black & white. Then, I want to drag over it so that the B&W blend into color. Basically, a nice transition from no color to colorized. What is the quickest way to achieve this? Multiple layers? Layer masks?

Photoshop 911:

While there are a dozen ways to do this, here's a straight-forward way to accomplish the effect you're looking for.

Open the color image you wish to modify.

Select all and COPY the full image

Now use Mode and reset the color to Grayscale, say "Yes" to removing all color.

The image goes grayscale. Tweak or adjust the black and white until it suits you.

Return to MODE and return the image to RGB

Select the Move tool (Tap: "V") and then PASTE

The original color will return to the file on a new layer.

NOW: open this diagram and follow along

Now generate a Layer Mask by clicking on the Layer Mask button. Make sure its active with a double border (2nd thumbnail added to the orignal color thumbnail in the layers palette.)

Now select the Gradient tool (Tap "G") and observe in the options bar:

a) set the type of gradient to "Foreground to Transparent" by clicking the second pull-down to reveal the gradient thumbnails. F-to-T will be the first icon.)

b) set the style of gradient to Linear in the next row of icons (Actually, you can set to whatever you wish. In our example we set to Linear.)

Tap the letter "D" to return the colors to their default.

Now drag the Gradient tool in the image in the direction you wish.

Presto... color to grayscale.

Undo if it does not suit and try again. In our example we dragged a very short gradient near the center of the image to make a very quick transition. Dragging a longer pull with the Gradient Tool will generate a smoother transition.

Have fun.

Layer Masks are wondrous things ... we suggest you get familiar with them and learn to exploit their powers.

* See: Paint to Gray tutorial for similar lessons

* See: Emboss / Deboss Tutorial which uses layer masks extensively

* See: Frames Tutorial for some other nifty things you can do with layer masks

If you can help, just comment below! Thank you!

PLEASE don't post new questions here! POST QUESTIONS at the Photoshop 911 EMERGENCY ROOM

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Comments

[lindsay]

thanxx

[Asad]

Fastest and the easiest way to achieve this effect. Open the original image. Duplicate the layer and saturate it. Using lasso tool or marquee select the areas you want to blend in with the color. You can use feathering to whatever extent you want. Once selected press delete. You have the effect.

[Tipsy]

Two steps????

Step 1:

Select the areas of the image you wish to be grayscale (B&W_

Step 2:

Select NEW ADJUSTMENT LAYER > Hue/Saturation and slide the saturation slider all the way to the left.

But there's a better way that takes more steps:

Take two of these...

http://www.graphic-design.com/Photoshop/paint_to_gray/index.html
and call me in the morning.

:-)

[Michael Newman]

how do you turn some areas of color picture into grayscale, while still leaving portions of the image in color? I've seen it done in two simple steps but can not find the tutorial anymore..

(PS 911: see above comment)