: How to create alpha mask from an image in Photoshop CS/8 I have a monochrome image, and would like to replace the colour with a gradient. I assume the best way to do this would be to create

@Sarah814

I can't really understand what you're trying to do with the gradient, but to paste into a layer mask:

Select the layer with a mask.

Go to Channels and the mask is listed as the bottom channel.

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@Jennifer810

Method 1 (Adds a simple gradient):


Convert your monochrome image to RGB (Image > Mode > RGB).
Double-click the background layer to convert it to a regular layer.
Add a new layer below the image (Ctrl/Cmd Click on the new layer icon).
Fill that layer with the color gradient.
Change the blend mode of the image layer to "Luminosity."


Method 2 (Recolorizes the image):


Convert your monochrome image to RGB mode as above.
Add a Gradient Map adjustment layer.

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@LarsenBagley460

I don't have version 8 anymore, but try this.


Select All and copy the image from the layer you want to use as a grayscale mask.
Switch to the channels tab of the layers panel.
Add a new channel. Paste your image data in that new channel.
Click the button on the bottom of that panel labeled "Load channel as Selection" — you will get a marquee selection of the alpha channel.
Switch back to the layers panel, click on the layer you wish to apply a mask to and click the button at the bottom of that panel "Add Layer Mask".


That should be all you need. There's probably an easier way, but I can't think of it right now.

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