GIMP Version: 2.8.10
Operating System: Windows
GIMP Experience: Basic Level

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Hi!

In a selection in the image (inner circle), I try to apply a gradient using Layer Effects.


But the resulting gradient is applied the whole image, but not in the selection.


If I remove the alpha channel, the gradient is applied the whole image. And not only in the selection.



Why can not I apply the gradient (using layer effects - gradient overlay) only in the selection?
Thanks in advance

If you have the alpha-lock and nothing opaque in the selection, nothing will happen. But it seems the selection you have is th exterior of the circle (use the "Quikmask" to check).

Not alpha-lock.
The selection is a transparent area.


My selection was created using path to selection.
In the image below, I drew a red line horizontally and used the Quikmask to show the selected area.

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Using the Blend Tool I can only fill the selected area, but it is precisely what can not using layer effects - gradient overlay

The only solution I found is to create a new transparent layer, apply a color to the selected area and then after you apply layer effects - gradient overlay, merge down.

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It is amazing that both scripts (py and scm) apply the gradient outside the selection.

Thanks Ofnuts!

It is only by convention that scripts or plug-ins limit their filtering to the selected region of the layer, though it is a rather strong convention and filters should have some sound reasoning for ignoring the selection*. In this case, I suspect the anomalous behavior is attributable to a bug in the Layer Effects script, which you should report to its author.


* I myself have written several scripts where I do not use the selection conventionally, but instead use it for other purposes. For example, Align Down will center a layer within the selection and Fit Within Selection scales a layer to fit within the selection. Quantize and Extend To Image Size both use the selection to protect regions of the image from the filtering effect. And Copy Mask From Above either ignores the selection or creates a layermask from it depending upon the situation. Nonetheless, these are exceptions to the rule and most filters should honor the selection and use it to mask the filtering effect.

The filter layer effects (scm and py) is very good, I was unaware of this information.

The fact that some scripts work with selections gave me a wrong expectation about what I could get this case.

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Tried the Gradient Stroke Script V1.0 GnuTux, and almost got the expected results.
Although it is to stroke, tried to adapt it to my needs.

But always remains an internal area without being filled.

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That's even better than I got with the filter layer effects.

Thx Saulgoode!

Wow!
At the moment I'm already having some fun with the Gradient Stroke V1.1, if this implementation is added, it would be too much!
Thx very much GnuTux

Akros,

I've updated my Gradient Stroke Script V1.2 to perform gradient fills on a selection. Setting the "Stroke Width" to zero will direct the script to fill with the gradient.

Using Gradient Stroke V1.2

With two clicks, and voila!
I still need to improve the technique, but that was what I was trying to get before with LE filter.

Thx a lot GnuTux!

Very cool, Akros!
Glad I could assist.