easy graduated neutral density filter

[Glyn5024]

As an old Photoshop user my simple changes were made in Adobe Camera Raw, which had a 'one click' method of adding a graduated neutral density filter, and then adjusting the exposure of the filter to increase or decrease the effect. Is there a similar method in Photo Demon to create a graduated ND filter effect?

[tannerhelland]

Hello @Glyn5024 . The following link has a nice tutorial for achieving a graduated neutral density filter in any photo editor (including PhotoDemon):

https://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/quick-tip-replicate-a-graduated-neutral-density-filter-in-photoshop--photo-4888

In case that link goes bad in the future, I'll briefly summarize the steps here.

1. Load the image you want to edit.
2. Add a new blank layer (Layer > Add > Blank) then use the right-side layer box to set the blank layer's opacity to roughly 50%.
3. Use the left-side toolbar to select the Gradient tool, then in the top toolbar options, click the gradient image then select the Black and White gradient. You can also select the gradient shape you want (e.g. Linear) from the toolbar, and use the Clamp repeat mode beneath it.
4. Draw your desired gradient onto the blank layer.

What you do next depends on how you want the graduated filter to behave. In all cases, use the Opacity control on the right layer box to determine filter strength, and the Blend mode dropdown beneath it to set the type of filter.

• To darken the black region, use the Darken or Multiply blend mode.
• To brighten the white region, use the Lighten or Screen blend mode.
• To darken the black region and simultaneously lighten the white region, use the Overlay or Soft light blend mode.

While it's a few more clicks to achieve the filter this way, you have a ton of control over how the filter behaves. You can also switch between gradient shapes (e.g. linear vs radial) to achieve different results.

Good luck!