Corel PSP - Fading Edges

[LordMhoram]

I have Corel PSP Photo X2.

Can anyone tell me in layman terms how I can fade the edges of an image to transparent?

Preferably, I'd prefer to be able to do this with the freehand selection tool creating the mask (if that is in fact how it is done) so as to have the best control of the region to be faded.

I've been trying to figure this out on the basis that I need to create a gradient mask of some kind, but it is not really clear. I'm laboring with the idea that I need a transparent background, the main image on the layer above, and a gradient mask above that. I don't yet know how to do all that, nor do I know if that is the correct approach.

I am reading and learning, but I'm hoping to speed up the learning process (and lower my frustration) by asking an expert if they can rattle off the steps and basic concept.


In case it matters...

The main reason I want to fade to transparent instead of a color is so I can create a montage from these various images on a background I can later choose or change. However, I envision the finished product being on some solid background, and the final image likely a .jpg (thus no transparent areas).

I have already removed the subjects I want from their background, it is just that the hard cut-off edges of cropping look crappy, and I want to try to fade out the edges as the means to remove unwanted parts.

 

[HM0]

I switched to photoshop many years ago so I'm not 100 percent sure if this will actually translate to the program but is there a feather selection option in psp? Make your selection using whatever method you normally use, quick mask or whatever and then invert selection and feather it to however many pixels are necessary for the desired effect then hit delete or erase? Also, lots of people use the pen tool to make smooth selections however there is a learning curve and I'm not sure how the pen tool operates in psp.

 

[Noira]

Now, I don't have the program, but I know this'll work.

Take a big fuzzy brush with faded edges and erase around the edge of the picture. There should be some brushes like that in the brush options. It will give you complete control over what you want faded. Set the opacity down if you have to.

Alternatively, more what you're looking for ought to be in the selection menu... or somewhere similar. Just look for "feather selection".

 

[Quoll]

As Noira and HM0 have said, feather is your friend, you can also go over the feathered edge with the smudge tool (used to be the finger back when it was PSP) to tidy up any rough bits or odd coloured pixels.

 

[LordMhoram]

Awesome, thanks folks.