This is the first in a series of quick, bite-sized design tutorials. If you're anything like me, you may forget how to do very simple things in Figma and other design software. I always forget how to fade images and I could not find a great guide to assist in the process. Follow the instructions below to quickly and easily fade images using a gradient.
Quite simply, get the image you want to add a gradient fade to and drop it on the Figma canvas. Do not fill in a frame or use anything other than an image on canvas at this stage.
In this stage, we need to make the shape that will be used as a mask. Add in a shape (Square, Rectangle, etc) and make it roughly the same size as the image. From there, select the shape and chose Fill, change to Gradient with a Linear setting. Change the gradient color to black and start the gradient at 100% Opacity and the other tail of the gradient should be 0% Opacity. You can change this later if you want to but it is how to get started.
Next is to ensure the Gradient Shape layer is behind the image. Once complete, select both layers (Shape and Image) and then choose Use as Mask from the top toolbar. If done correctly, this will combine the image and the mask to give the desired fade effect. If not, punch CTRL-Z and try again.
Often when you get to this point you have a nice image fade but it needs adjustments. From here, select the Gradient Shape and double click to drill into the Fill section where you can adjust the gradient as needed. Feel free to experiment with colors and elongating the gradient tail to achieve your desired effect. From here, export using the Mask Group that was created.
Hopefully this is a little bit helpful and it can definitely be applied wherever images are used. Enjoy!
