help with web banner

[newdoc]

Hello there, I need some help. I am new to graphics and wants learn. As my first experiment I wanted to create web banner.

In my banner I want background then some pictures and text on top of it. Please see banner 1:- in that banner picture edges are hazy(I do not know what you call that effect in Photoshop).
In 2nd picture I have created banner with text and Australia map. But I do not want that map to show rectangular border. (It should be some thing like in 1st banner).
I have posted this question in other forum. Members said it is very easy to do with any simple software. As I said I am very new to this. Can some explain it to me in detail.. Thanks a lot

banner1





banner 2



i also wants to add few more pictures to 2nd banner like in 1st one. sorry if iam not clear

[Draconis]

Ok; in photoshop you are going to need to learn about masking and the gradient tool. They are going to become your new best friends; lol.

Start by selecting the layer that has the map on it. Then click the quick mask button; you can find it over by the new layer icon in the layer palate. It looks like a square with a hole in it; in the default setup it will be on your bottom right.

Press "d" to reset your colors. Then select the gradient tool; it will be under the paint bucket. Click and hold the paint bucket to get it.

Use the default settings; and drag a gradient from the center of your picture to about the same distance off the edge of it and let go. It will paint a mask over it.

[Draconis]

Here; if you don't understand my writing I found a full blown tutorial that you can follow.

http://www.sitepoint.com/article/photoshop-fade-layer-mask

[newdoc]

Thanks Draconis, it was very helpful and i made one using the same method.though it is looking horrible atleast i learned something today. thanks a lot

[Draconis]

You need to use a larger gradient span. Make it WAY bigger then you think you need it to be. That way it will fade out nice and even. remember; the larger the drag; the less hard the edges will be.

[viny]

Hey everyone,
NewDoc i made this one for you if you want to use it.

Sorry don't speak english very well.

[Draconis]

Thats awesome! Great job. I really like it.

[Jeff]

[newdoc]

fantastic viny, can you please tell me how did you do that. i know it is irritating question.but, please give me some tips

[newdoc]

also can some one tell me which software i should use to create similar to below gifs

[Draconis]

macromedia flash is the tool of choice for me.

[viny]

Hey everyone,
Thanks a lot for yours feedback.
It been 8 months that i'm using adobe photoshop ,is a great software i love it !!.

[newdoc]

thanks a lot viny

[Wahid]

That's Really AWESOME

nice work viny