Starting with CS3, Adobe InDesign introduced the "Gradient Feather Tool," which allows you to gradually fade a photograph into the background. Previously, you would need to perform a fade and feather in Photoshop before transferring it into InDesign. This effect is now available with InDesign's native effects.
Step 1
Choose the "File Menu," then "New" to open a new document. This creates a workspace in which to add and alter photographs and text.
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Step 2
Select the "Rectangle Frame Tool" on the toolbar to create a new photo box. The icon is a rectangle with a large X through it.
Step 3
Drag the cursor across the page in the workspace to create the desired size for the image. Hold the shift key to keep the box proportional, if desired. Right click on the photo to use the "Fitting Options" to alter the fit of the photo inside the box.
Step 4
Choose the "File Menu" then "Place" to pull in a photo. Choose the folder where the photo is located, click on the file and choose "OK" to finish placing the photo. The shortcut for placing text and photos on a MAC is the Command key plus the letter "d." For a PC, use the Control key plus the letter "d."
Step 5
Select the "Direct Selection Tool" in the toolbar. The icon is a black arrow. Then, click on the photo.
Step 6
Click on the "Gradient Feather Tool" in the toolbar. The icon is a rectangle with a fade from bottom to top. It is located just below the "Gradient Tool."
Step 7
Hover the cursor on the side of the photo until the crosshair appears. Click and drag from the point you want to start the fade out to the edge of the photo. The default settings will fade the photo to white.
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